Kodagu's Elephant Crisis: Govt Sanctions ₹21 Crore for Conflict Mitigation

Madikeri: To combat the escalating human-elephant conflict in Kodagu, the state government has earmarked ₹21 crore for preventive measures, with implementation set to begin soon, said State Wildlife Board member Meriyanda Sanket Poovaiah.

Kodagu records the highest instances of wildlife-related fatalities, injuries, and crop damage in the state. After a recent elephant attack near Chennangolli, Virajpet MLA A.S. Ponnanna obtained approval from the forest minister for an elephant capture operation, which was successfully carried out.

To develop long-term scientific solutions, Ponnanna has initiated government discussions regarding the construction and enhancement of trenches and railway barriers in select panchayat regions of Virajpet. The ₹21 crore sanctioned will be utilized for these initiatives, and the MLA will conduct a site survey on February 22 or 23 to evaluate the requirements and allocate necessary funds.

A 2,000-hectare zone in Virajpet has been proposed for elephant relocation, pending government approval. However, despite relocation efforts, elephants continue to return to plantations, as they struggle to adapt to forest terrains.

Kodagu is home to 2,000 of Karnataka’s 6,395 elephants. Over the past decade, wildlife conflicts in Virajpet have resulted in 33 human deaths, 53 injuries, five permanent disabilities, and 219 cattle losses, with ₹4.7 crore paid as compensation.

Authorities are also implementing fire prevention strategies, including warning signage and heightened forest patrols, as summer approaches. Sanket Poovaiah further stressed the need for radio-collaring tigers, as their growing numbers alongside elephants have sparked fresh concerns.

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