The clash between humans and elephants in Chikkamagaluru has grown more severe, causing rising fatalities and injuries on both sides. Forest department figures reveal that five elephants were electrocuted over the past 18 months. Meanwhile, elephant encounters in the last six years have led to 15 human deaths and over 100 injuries, with five fatalities occurring between September 2023 and November 2024 alone.
Adding to the crisis, livestock losses have surged, and elephants are increasingly venturing into urban spaces. A recent sighting of 22 elephants near Chikkamagaluru town underscores the growing threat. The district, home to the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary and Kudremukh National Park, faces a pressing challenge, particularly in border areas like Koppa, where encounters with elephants and wild boars since 2019 have resulted in three deaths and 22 injuries.
Authorities have compensated affected families with Rs 30.5 lakh for fatalities and Rs 7.3 lakh for injuries in Koppa, while crop damage claims have exceeded Rs 1.8 crore in five years. The Chikkamagaluru division has disbursed Rs 9.4 crore in nine years, including Rs 1.6 crore this fiscal year. However, farmers like Shivaraj argue the payouts fail to match actual losses, prompting many to abandon farming, especially in Mudigere taluk.
Efforts like extending railway barricades and installing fences in conflict zones have offered limited relief. Forest officials plan a scientific survey to reassess crop loss impacts.
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