JOIN USThe problems of farmers will be put across by the State Farmers’ Association and Green Army, during the meeting to be conducted by the Forest Department at Nagarhole guest house on May 10, said district president Kadiamada Manu Somanna.
Speaking to reporters here on Wednesday, he said that during the meeting, thrust will be laid on finding a permanent solution for the increased human-elephant conflicts.
A proposal to increase the compensation amount to Rs 25 lakh for deaths resulting from human-animal conflict will be put forth at the meeting. Another request to increase the compensation for crop damages by 10 times will also be made to the officials, he said.
Association general secretary Chetrumada Sujay Bopaiah said, “When looking at the records of human-elephant conflict casualties, the numbers are on the rise. Elephants come to the villages searching for food and water. A request to find a just solution to the problem will be made”.
He further said that the department concerned has started the work on constructing railway barricades from Chekkera Jayapura estate to Kunjaramanakatte at Titimati, due to the continuous efforts of the association. “But the work has been going at a snail’s pace and we will bring it to the notice of officials,” he added.
Secretary Ajjamada Chengappa said that the crop-raiding elephants should be identified and radio-collared. Also, steps should be taken to control the elephant population.
“Compensation hasn’t been provided to the farmer who lost his life in Kaimane village recently,” he pointed out.
He alleged discrimination in the allocation of compensatory funds to the families.
“There is a variation in the compensation given to a forest officer and a common citizen. All of this will be brought to the attention of the officers at the meeting,” he added.
Convener Puchimada Subhash Subbaiah and Mandepanda Praveen were present in the press meet.