Madikeri: Deputy conservator of forests (Virajpet division) Taseen Banu announced that the forest department will soon conduct a three-day operation to drive wild elephants back into the forest. This decision comes as herds have been entering coffee plantations in the Byrambada and Kannangala gram panchayat areas of Virajpet taluk, causing significant crop destruction.
Human-Wildlife Conflict Mitigation Workshop
Speaking at a human-wildlife conflict mitigation workshop in Byrambada, Banu highlighted that elephants have been present in Kodagu since the British era and their numbers have increased over time. To reduce elephant incursions, the government has installed approximately 27 kilometers of solar fencing in Virajpet taluk. She noted that around 80 percent of the fence is functioning effectively, while about 20 percent operates at a low level, allowing elephants to enter through weak stretches.
Elephant Camping in Sacred Groves
Banu stated that elephants have been camping in the Devara Kadu (sacred grove) area and repeatedly entering plantations. The department plans to protect Devara Kadu and install additional solar fencing around it to prevent elephants from settling there. She added that drones are being used to track elephant movement and that a new mitigation plan using AI cameras and sound-based deterrents has been implemented in the Thithimathi forest area.
Compensation and Community Alerts
Banu revealed that Rs 4.8 crore has been disbursed in Virajpet taluk towards crop loss and compensation related to human deaths in elephant attacks. Village groups have been formed to share alerts and warnings about elephant movement, and residents were urged to monitor these alerts and cooperate with the department.
Demands for Permanent Solutions
Local representatives and villagers demanded a permanent solution to the conflict. Their demands included continuous public alerts via loudspeakers, fencing and surveying of encroached Devara Kadu forest land, improving fodder and water availability inside forests by creating water bodies, and ensuring that elephants are driven back into the forest rather than moved between plantations.
Upcoming Elephant-Driving Operation
Meanwhile, Kushalnagar range forest officer R Rakshit said an elephant-driving operation will be undertaken in Andagove village (Athur branch, Kushalnagar range) on Sunday. He asked plantation owners, workers, schoolchildren, and the public to remain vigilant during the operation.
