Hassan District – Karnataka : In a bid to address the longstanding issue of human-elephant conflicts in the Sakaleshpur-Alur taluk region, the Forest Department has initiated the installation of radio collars on nine elephants. The ongoing operation, which began recently and will continue until December 15, involves a team of tamed elephants, mahouts, and kawadis from the Dubare elephant camp in Kodagu.
The preparations for this operation had faced a temporary setback a few months ago following a tragic incident where sharpshooter Venkatesh lost his life during the operation. Now, with renewed efforts, the Forest Department aims to tackle the persistent issue that has plagued the district for decades.
High-Level Meeting Addresses Forest-Related Issues
Forest-related problems, resulting in numerous fatalities, have been a cause for concern in the district. In the past year alone, 65 people lost their lives due to forest attacks. Seeking a comprehensive solution, a high-level meeting of forest officials was convened at Aranya Bhavan in the city. The meeting, chaired by Forest Minister Ishwar Khandre, discussed strategies to address the ongoing human-elephant conflicts.
Permission Granted for Radio Collars Amidst Farmer Advocacy
Permission has been granted to fit radio collars on nine elephants, divided into separate groups in Alur, Sakaleshpura, and Belur. The operation aims to alleviate the concerns of farmers and residents grappling with the persistent problem. While the installation of radio collars may not completely resolve the issue, it is expected to enhance preventive measures by informing local residents about the elephants’ whereabouts.
Farmers and coffee growers in the region, who have suffered losses due to forest-related incidents, have been advocating for government action. Their demands include suitable compensation and relinquishing approximately three thousand acres of land dedicated to agriculture and horticulture.
Operation Coverage and Call for Cooperation
The operation will cover Alur, Belur, Sakaleshpura, Yasalur, and Arakalagudu zones. The Deputy Conservator of Forests urged farmers and the public to cooperate during the designated period. Hassan DFO Mohan stated, “Preparations have been made for the installation of radio collars on nine elephants. The elephants that were identified earlier have been re-identified, and precautions have been taken to prevent a recurrence of the previous incident.”
Sakaleshpur MLA Cement Manju expressed, “People were outraged by the problem of deforestation. As an MLA, I drew the attention of the government. Previously, only one or two elephants were given permission to wear radio collars. This time nine elephants have been given permission.”
