MP seeks details on trenches, solar fence

Mysuru-Kodagu MP Prathap Simha, on Friday, directed the forest department officials to furnish complete details on digging of trenches, and laying of solar fence and its maintenance to check wild elephant menace in Kodagu district within a week.

Chairing the vigilance and monitoring committee meeting in Madikeri, the MP sought detailed report on the projects, when members complained that trenches have not been dug.

According to officials in 2014-15, 25-km long trenches have been dug, 3-km old trenches have been developed and 54-km old solar fences have been maintained.

Zilla Panchayat President Chodumada Shareen Subbaiah said no trenches have been laid in Srimangala and other areas. However, the compliance report says that trenches have been laid. There is a need to probe into the work.

When MLA M P Appachu Ranjan sought details on crop loss and loss of life following wild elephant menace, Assistant Conservator of Forests Sharana Basappa said compensation have been distributed in 406 cases.