Residents of Kabbinale, Hebri taluk, are gripped with fear as a lone tusker continues to destroy farmland. Two days ago, the elephant ravaged the crops of local farmer Muttagowda, uprooting over 20 arecanut trees. The same tusker previously caused damage on Keddalamakki Usha Shetty’s farm, destroying jackfruit and arecanut trees, while also trampling through a recently sown paddy field.
In addition to the crop damage, the elephant broke a pipeline on Bobbarbettu Subraya’s land and damaged a jackfruit tree. The situation intensified when the tusker roamed near the home of Meena Pujarti at night, spreading further panic.
Kabbinale, a well-known spot for trekkers, has now become a danger zone, with forest officials placing warning signs to keep visitors away. The elephant is believed to be hiding in the thick forest of Tingale.
The rise in wild elephant encounters in areas such as Subramanya and Beltangady has residents on edge. Elephants frequently traverse the mountain ranges, moving through Naravi, Nooralbettu, Mala Ghat, and Game Road, heading towards Valikunja, Agumbe, and Hosanagar. Locals suggest that the dense forest and towering trees in Kabbinale may be attracting the elephants to take refuge in the region.
Read More: