CM for scientific solution to end man-elephant conflict

Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy has directed Forest department officials to submit a plan of action to prevent incidents of man-elephant conflicts which are coming to light from across the state.

Kumaraswamy held a meeting on Tuesday to assess the damages that the recent attacks in Kodagu, Chikkamagaluru and Hassan districts have caused the farmers.

The chief minister gave these directions to the Forest Department following representations from the affected farmers who had said that they lost paddy, areca nut, coffee among other crops as elephants ventured into their land and urged the government to find a scientific solution to put an end to this menace.

Karnataka has the highest number of elephants in the country (with more than 6,000 in number), the chief minister said adding that experts from other states may be called in, if need be, to help to find a solution for the issue.

He said that the government has already constructed a retention wall circumventing a 71-km area, hence, preventing wild animals from venturing in.

The chief minister directed officials to submit a proposal seeking additional funds in subsequent budgets for the same.

The prices of wires needed for fencing is high if purchased from the Railways department. However, as the government incurs an additional expense on transporting these if purchased from other players, Kumaraswamy said that the officials should write to the Railways seeking that they provide it at lower prices to the government. He added that he will meet Union Forest Minister Harshvardhan and discuss the issue.