Karnataka Acts on Rising Elephant Attacks in Hassan

Following the tragic death of a 63-year-old woman in a wild elephant attack in Bommanahalli, Belur tehsil, Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre has ordered urgent action to address the growing elephant menace in Hassan district.

The minister directed officials to identify and capture three elephants troubling residents in Bikkodu and Arehalli. Additionally, an Elephant Task Force (ETF) office will be set up in the affected area, with a Deputy Conservator of Forests overseeing operations.

To enhance monitoring, two drones equipped with thermal cameras will be procured for the Hassan zone, enabling nighttime tracking of elephant movements. The minister also mandated public alerts and increased emergency response efforts, including deploying two additional jeeps and more personnel to high-risk areas.

Further measures include training plantation workers on elephant behavior and safety precautions. The government will also provide ETF staff with monthly salaries, food allowances, uniforms, shoes, jackets, insurance, and walkie-talkies for areas with poor mobile connectivity.

The announcement follows local protests condemning government inaction after the latest fatal attack. Villagers blocked roads, demanding immediate intervention.

Meanwhile, in Nelaballi village, Arkalgud taluk, a 25-year-old male elephant was found dead under suspicious circumstances, possibly due to electrocution or a gunshot wound. A full investigation is underway, with the exact cause to be determined after post-mortem examination.

Read Also:

• Another elephant tramples and kills man in Hassan
• Two Killed in Separate Elephant Attacks in Karnataka