Karnataka Forest Chief Directs Tech Push to Curb Human-Elephant Conflict in Kodagu
In response to escalating human-elephant conflicts in the Kodagu district of Karnataka, State Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Kumar Pushkar conducted an extensive visit to affected villages. He engaged in detailed discussions with forest officials and local farmers to address the pressing issue, reviewing conflict-prone areas and emphasizing the urgent need for technological interventions.
Technological Solutions to Manage Elephant Movement
During his visit, Pushkar instructed officials to accelerate the deployment of advanced technology to monitor and manage elephant movements. Key directives included the installation of modern, AI-enabled cameras in areas with high wildlife prevalence across Kodagu. Additionally, he mandated the setup of loudspeakers in locations frequently visited by wild elephants, creating a system to deter them through sound and encourage retreat.
Pushkar announced that the government will provide grants to the district in the coming days specifically aimed at preventing human-elephant conflict. He highlighted the importance of using radio collars, ordering officials to equip two female wild elephants with locally manufactured collars featuring new technology, a shift from previous imports from Africa. This initiative is designed to track elephant movements more effectively and mitigate risks.
Enhanced Infrastructure and Community Engagement
The PCCF pledged to increase staffing in the district to combat animal infestations and enhance operational capacity. He outlined plans for the forest department to acquire more vehicles and form specialized teams to tackle conflicts proactively. Officials were directed to register farmers in areas with high elephant activity and utilize the forest department website to disseminate real-time information on elephant movements, ensuring timely alerts to the community.
Pushkar conducted on-ground inspections in key locations such as Karadigodu, Avaregund, Maldare, and Thithimathi within the Virajpet division forest area, observing areas where wild elephants commonly roam. He also visited the Madikeri forest wild division office to review new technological installations and software implementations, gaining insights into current efforts.
Commitment to Precautionary Measures
Emphasizing a preventive approach, Pushkar vowed to make sincere efforts to control elephant-human conflicts by prioritizing precautionary strategies. He underscored the role of technology and community involvement in achieving sustainable solutions. The visit was attended by DCF (Wildlife) Nehru, highlighting departmental collaboration in addressing this critical environmental and safety issue.
