Farmers protest rising human-wildlife conflict in H.D. Kote and Sargur

Members of the Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha (Raitha Parva) on Thursday staged a protest outside Aranya Bhavan in Mysuru, demanding urgent measures to address the growing human-wildlife conflict, particularly in Sargur and H.D. Kote areas, where several incidents have resulted in human and livestock casualties.

Criticising the Forest Department for failing to come up with effective solutions, the farmers blamed illegal resorts and homestays operating in forest areas for escalating the problem. They alleged that increased human movement inside forest zones due to the presence of illegal resorts and home stays was disturbing wildlife, forcing animals to stray into human settlements.

The protesters said it has become increasingly difficult for the farming community to visit their fields due to fear of wild animal attacks, especially tigers, following a series of recent incidents that claimed the lives of three farmers in Sargur taluk.

They demanded strict action against illegal resorts and homestays functioning in forest areas and sought measures to build confidence among farmers while safeguarding wildlife interests. The farmers urged the department to take concrete steps to prevent wild animals from entering villages located along forest fringes.