A tragic incident of human-wildlife conflict has claimed another life in Karnataka. A 61-year-old man was killed after being attacked by a wild elephant in the early hours of Wednesday in Hassan district.
Details of the Fatal Attack
The victim has been identified as Boregowda, a resident of Mankanahalli village in the Sakleshpur taluk. The attack occurred around 6:30 am on May 29 near his village. According to forest officials, Boregowda had gone to his farm when he unexpectedly encountered the solitary wild elephant.
The elephant, reportedly a male, attacked the man, leading to fatal injuries. Boregowda was trampled to death at the scene. Upon receiving information, officials from the Sakleshpur forest range rushed to the location. The body was later sent for a post-mortem examination.
Response and Compensation
Forest department personnel have been deployed in the area to monitor the movement of the elephant and to prevent further incidents. The department has assured that the family of the deceased will receive compensation as per government norms.
An ex-gratia payment of Rs 15 lakh is typically provided in such cases of death due to wild elephant attacks in Karnataka. The forest department is expected to complete the formalities to disburse the compensation to Boregowda's next of kin.
Ongoing Human-Elephant Conflict
This fatal attack underscores the persistent and escalating issue of human-elephant conflict in parts of Karnataka, especially in regions like Hassan, Kodagu, and Mysuru that border forest areas. Sakleshpur, with its coffee estates and farmland adjacent to wildlife corridors, frequently reports such conflicts.
Incidents of elephants straying into human settlements in search of food and water have increased, often leading to property damage, crop loss, and loss of human life. The forest department employs various mitigation measures, including:
- Creating elephant-proof trenches.
- Erecting solar-powered fences.
- Using early warning systems and radio collars to track elephant movement.
- Forming rapid response teams.
However, finding a sustainable solution that ensures the safety of both humans and elephants remains a significant challenge for authorities and conservationists.
The death of Boregowda has sent a wave of grief through Mankanahalli village and has reignited concerns among local communities about their safety. It serves as a grim reminder of the complex coexistence between humans and wildlife in India's forest-fringe areas.
