Bengaluru: In a tragic turn of events, two individuals lost their lives in separate elephant attacks in Karnataka over the past two days, prompting forest, ecology and environment minister Eshwar B Khandre to issue a stern warning to the public. The incidents occurred in Hassan and Kolar districts, highlighting the escalating human-elephant conflict in the state.
On Saturday, a young man in Belur taluk of Hassan district was killed by an elephant, followed by the death of a woman in Kanasamudra, Kolar district, on Sunday. Expressing deep sorrow over the incidents, Minister Khandre assured that the government stands with the bereaved families and has directed officials to disburse compensation immediately.
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“These incidents are deeply painful. The government is with the families in their time of grief. We urge the public to remain vigilant and heed the warnings issued by the forest department regarding elephant movements,” Khandre said. He emphasized that most attacks occur during early mornings or evenings, urging people living near forest areas to exercise caution.
Government Efforts to Mitigate Conflict
The minister highlighted that human-wildlife conflict is not a new issue but has intensified due to shrinking forest areas and increasing wildlife populations. To address this, the state government has undertaken several measures, including the installation of solar fences, elephant-proof trenches, and railway barricades. In the fiscal year 2024-25, 78.917 km of railway barricades have been completed, with an additional 41.87 km under progress. A target of 103 km has been set, with work expected to begin by March 31.
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Karnataka, home to the largest elephant population in India with 6,395 elephants, has also initiated international collaborations and expert committee studies to tackle the issue. The state has formed an elephant task force and is providing real-time information to the public about elephant movements.
Plans for an Elephant Corridor
To further mitigate the conflict, the government is planning to establish an elephant corridor in the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, spanning 2,000 hectares. This initiative aims to provide elephants with adequate food and water, reducing their need to venture into human settlements. Over 150 elephants have been identified as frequently straying into human habitats, and efforts are underway to relocate them to the proposed corridor.
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Coexistence is Key
Minister Khandre stressed that coexistence between humans and wildlife is inevitable. “As human populations grow, settlements and agricultural activities have expanded to forest fringes. Elephants are drawn to crops like bananas, jackfruit, and paddy, as well as water sources in these areas,” he explained. The government is also studying the root causes of elephant migration and seeking long-term solutions to ensure the safety of both humans and wildlife.
The recent tragedies serve as a grim reminder of the challenges posed by human-wildlife conflict. While the government continues its efforts, public cooperation and vigilance remain crucial in preventing further loss of life.
