Coffee Planters in Chikkamagaluru Appeal for Collaborative Solutions Over Elephant Threats
Coffee planters and farmers in Chikkamagaluru district have made a fervent plea to Forest Minister Eshwar B Khandre, urging him to engage in dialogue rather than issuing threats or applying pressure regarding the escalating issue of elephants causing havoc in their fields. This appeal follows the minister's stern warning of legal action against planters, holding them accountable for any loss of life resulting from elephant attacks.
Minister's Warning Sparks Shock Among Planters
The minister's directive came in the wake of two tragic incidents where daily wage labourers lost their lives within a single week in the Ballehonnur area. In response, Minister Khandre instructed forest department officials to take strict action against planters who allow labourers to work despite alerts about wild elephant movements. However, planters argue that both they and the labourers are already under immense pressure due to the uncontrolled elephant menace, making the minister's warning a shocking development.
Planters Question Feasibility of Halting Work
With elephant movements being a common occurrence in these regions, the forest department frequently issues warnings. Mudigere Planters' Association president B R Balakrishna Balur questioned the practicality of such alerts, asking, "Is it possible for planters and workers to simply shun work because of this menace?" He emphasized that threatening planters is not a viable solution and called for the minister to involve them in finding a resolution.
Balur further challenged the forest department to file cases against planters, stating that the farming community is the backbone of the nation and should not be subjected to emotional manipulation. He criticized politicians for their historical treatment of farmers, noting, "Politicians have fooled the farming community for decades. During elections, they wear green shawls, but when it comes to the crunch, they blame and lathicharge farmers."
Planters Highlight Ongoing Challenges
Chandrashekar, a local planter, shared that wild elephant movements are a regular feature on his estate, making it impossible to cease operations. He urged the minister to understand their predicament and seek permanent solutions instead of resorting to threats. Another planter, Santosh, pointed out that the department should take responsibility for controlling wild animal movements. He listed the multiple challenges faced by planters, including:
- Natural calamities affecting crops
- Diseases impacting plantation health
- Frequent raids by wild animals such as monkeys, bison, and elephants
The planters' collective message is clear: they seek a collaborative approach from the government to address the elephant menace, emphasizing that dialogue and mutual understanding are key to resolving this critical issue affecting their livelihoods and safety.
