Forest dept seeks permission to rescue tuskers

Hassan: The district has a rampant wild elephant problem, so forest department officials sought permission from the higher-ups to rescue and relocate four tuskers. Five people have died due to elephant attacks over the past year in the Malnad region of the district.
A letter was sent to capture four wild elephants, and the authorities are awaiting permission. Approval is expected within a week, and operations will commence swiftly in areas like Chikanahalli and Arehalli in Belur taluk, where the problem is severe, informed V Yedukondalu, conservator of forests (CF), Hassan circle.
In light of the increasing elephant disturbances in the district, the CF held meetings with the officials concerned and instructed that all measures be taken to prevent further fatalities. To address the human-elephant conflict, officials must immediately establish five to six elephant camps, and 140 ETF personnel will be deployed to work round the clock, he said.
He further stated that to overcome the vehicle shortage, five additional vehicles will be operational from Saturday alongside the existing three patrol vehicles. All are equipped with GPS to provide real-time information on elephant movements. A letter will be sent to govt to capture and fix radio collars on the four troublesome elephants causing the most issues.
Also, they will explore the establishment of an elephant sanctuary for the captured jumbos to ensure their care and maintenance. The CF mentioned raising awareness among people to report elephant sightings and extending the information period.
A joint meeting with Kodagu and Chikkamagalur districts foresters will be convened soon to collaboratively find a solution to the elephant issue.