Kalasa bandh: Farmers demand action on human-animal conflict

Chikkamagaluru/ Hassan: A bandh was called in Kalasa on Friday by various organisations protesting against the forest department, demanding the officials curb man-animal conflict in the region. The protest evoked a good response on Friday.
The protest followed the death of a farmer due to a bison attack in Haluvali, in Kalasa taluk, on Thursday. Coffee planters, areca growers, and other farmers gathered in the town in large numbers and staged a protest. Shopkeepers extended their support by closing their businesses for the day.
However, public transport, schools, colleges, and other essential services were not affected.
The farmers demanded that the forest department allow them to control bison using weapons.
Farmer leader Manjappaiah said that although measures were taken at the state level to prevent human-wildlife conflict in Malnad, the forest department has not taken clear measures to control wild animals yet.
BJP functionary Sheshagiri stated that the situation in Malnad is becoming dire due to the problem of wild animals, causing fear among people. He advocated for the formation of a district-level committee to strongly voice concerns about the wildlife threat, warning that farmers in the region have no future otherwise.
JD(S) functionary Jwalanaiah said officials are aware of the wildlife threat and stressed the need for continuous agitation. He emphasised that if they don't tend to their fields, officials would also be affected.
Another BJP functionary Deepak Doddaiah urged govt to control the problem of bison and elephants, adding that coffee growers in Malnad contribute to the nation's wealth and environmental protection, creating millions of jobs.
The farmers submitted a petition to range forest officer Nishchith, urging govt to take strict measures to protect farmers and plantations. They demanded the forest department capture and relocate the wild animals causing harm to dense forests.
Khandre orders probe into alleged illegal tree felling
Forest minister Eshwar Khandre has ordered an investigation and appropriate legal action into the alleged tree felling in Yaragalli in Sakleshpur taluk. Following a complaint by locals, Khandre directed the additional chief secretary to the department to investigate the case. In an order, it was mentioned that the GPS images clearly show trees being cut and piled up near Yaragalli, close to Attihalli.
The minister instructed a team led by the chief conservator of forests to conduct the probe and take action. If trees were cut in govt forest or designated forest areas, a forest offence case should be registered and action taken according to rules. If trees were cut in patta land with permission, action should be taken against the official who granted permission to fell such a large number of trees, he directed.
If the felling was done illegally without permission, a detailed investigation should be conducted, including any negligence by the forest staff of the range. A report with details of the actions taken should be submitted within three days, the minister stated.