Madikeri: Kodagu district minister N S Boseraju has stressed the urgent need for a well-structured scientific approach to address the growing human-elephant conflict in the region. Speaking at a KDP review meeting held at the zilla panchayat hall on Friday, he stated that a high-level discussion with forest minister Eshwar Khandre would soon be convened to find long-term solutions.
The issue, which has plagued parts of Kodagu and the Malnad for years, drew attention from several legislators and forest officials during the meeting. Virajpet MLA and CM’s legal adviser A S Ponnanna highlighted the effectiveness of trenches and railway barricades in reducing elephant movement. He noted that ₹21 crore had been allocated for trench-related work in the district. However, he also warned that elephants often change routes when blocked, underscoring the need for dynamic responses.
Madikeri MLA Manthar Gowda raised alarm over the frequent sightings of 30–40 elephants near Kedakal village. He criticised the lack of coordination between forest officials and poor relief efforts for affected residents.
Legislative Council member S L Bhojegowda called for a sustainable, science-backed model to resolve the crisis. He pointed out that elephants stray into human habitats due to forest degradation and resource scarcity. He also suggested replacing Nilgiri and Acacia trees with native fruit-bearing species to restore balance.
Deputy Conservator of Forests Abhishek outlined ongoing steps including trenching, AI-based camera monitoring, and forest lake rejuvenation. Virajpet’s sub-range officer Jagannath reported that 185 elephants, including 109 in Virajpet, were recorded in the 2024 census. Monitoring teams and a public alert system are now in place.