In a major move to address escalating human-animal tensions, State Wildlife Board member Sanketh Poovaiah announced that 185 wild elephants from South Kodagu, especially the Kutta region bordering Kerala, are likely to be relocated by the forest department.
During a public meeting at Kutta focused on the growing conflict, Poovaiah said these elephants would be captured and shifted to a secure rehabilitation centre. The initiative follows repeated appeals from locals who shared their daily struggles with crop loss, fear, and property damage caused by roaming jumbos.
Villagers proposed establishing an elephant corridor through the Kutta–Hoovina Kadu region, allowing free passage toward Kabini forest, which could reduce confrontations. Poovaiah noted that MLA A.S. Ponnanna has already engaged the government about setting up an elephant rehabilitation facility within Kodagu itself.
Residents also flagged the lack of wildlife experts in the current Rapid Response Team and Elephant Task Force. They urged that trained specialists be recruited immediately. Poovaiah assured that the suggestion was being implemented.
Significant funds have been allocated for long-term wildlife management, though Poovaiah admitted full utilisation would take time. The discussion also touched upon the increasing elephant population, with calls for more solar fencing in sensitive zones and stronger anti-poaching mechanisms.
Officials present included Srimangala Range Forest Officer Aravind, former Taluk Panchayat member Palvin Poonacha, and local leader Mukkatira Naveen Aiyappa.
- Kodagu schools reopen to a classroom crisis: 568 teacher posts lie vacant
- Alumni step up to revive 108-year-old government school in Kodagu
#ElephantRelocation
#KodaguConflict
#WildlifeManagement
#HumanAnimalCoexistence