Elephant task force needed to address rising Elephant attacks in Karnataka : MLC Kishore Kumar Puttur

MANGALURU: Elephant attacks are increasing in the Sullia, Kadaba, and Beltangady regions, forcing local farmers to live in constant fear. Raising this concern, MLC Kishore Kumar Puttur, along with a delegation of the Bharatiya Kisan Mazdoor Sangh, met forest minister Eshwar Khandre in Bengaluru and urged him to take immediate action.Speaking on the occasion, the MLC said that elephant raids have caused extensive damage to crops and, in several cases, have even led to the loss of human life. Farmers are now afraid to even go to their plantations. Given the gravity of the situation, he urged the minister to set up a special Elephant Task Force (ETF) for the affected areas.Citing a recent incident in Jalsur, Sullia, where a farmer was attacked by an Indian Gaur, he pointed out that human–wildlife conflict has intensified.

He requested the minister to convene a special meeting involving local elected representatives, farmers, and forest department officials to chalk out an action plan to address the issue.He further suggested that the compensation amount currently being paid for the loss of human life and crop damage caused by wild animals should be enhanced, as the present compensation is inadequate to cover the losses suffered by farmers. He also appealed for the simplification of rules to obtain a gun licence for self-protection. Responding positively, the minister assured that he would visit the district soon.State secretary of Bharatiya Kisan Mazdoor Sangh Somasekhar, Bharatiya Kisan Sangh’s regional leader Subray, secretary Ramprasad, Mahabala Rai, Sunil Borkar, Puneeth Rai, and others were present.