Fed Up With Elephant Menace, Karnataka MLA Turns To Ganesha Temple For Help

Last Updated:March 09, 2026, 15:02 IST

The move to seek spiritual guidance comes at a time of high stress for locals. The Forest Dept has successfully rescued and relocated 9 trouble-making elephants over the months.

The persistent struggle between humans and wildlife in Karnataka’s Western Ghats has prompted a unique search for solutions that blend administrative effort with spiritual faith. In the Sringeri constituency, where standard forest management techniques have struggled to curb the jumbo menace, local leadership has turned to ancient traditions to seek relief for a community living in constant fear.

On Sunday, Sringeri MLA T.D. Rajegowda, accompanied by his wife Pushpa Rajegowda and a group of supporters, visited the historic Anegudde Vinayaka Temple in Kumbhashi, Udupi district. The MLA performed a special puja and sought divine intervention to address the intensifying human-elephant and human-bison conflicts that have plagued his constituency.

The region has witnessed a series of tragic encounters recently, resulting in several human casualties and massive damage to crops and property. For Rajegowda, the visit to the temple, dedicated to Lord Ganesha, was a way to pray for the welfare of the state and for the wild animals to remain within forest boundaries rather than straying into human habitats.

The Limits of Conventional Measures

The move to seek spiritual guidance comes at a time of high frustration for local residents. The Forest Department has been active in the region, successfully rescuing and relocating nine trouble-making elephants over the past few months. Additionally, the government has implemented several preventive measures, including:

• Installation of railway barricades.
• Regular monitoring of tusker movements.
• Increased field patrols.

Despite these efforts, a permanent solution remains elusive. The elephants often find ways around barriers, and the conflict continues to claim lives and livelihoods, particularly in areas like Balehonnur.

Balancing Policy and Faith

While the MLA’s visit highlights the cultural depth of the region, it has also sparked a dialogue on the need for more robust scientific interventions. Describing the gravity of the situation and the reason for his prayers, MLA T.D. Rajegowda stated:

“We have implemented many measures, from railway barricades to the rescue of several tuskers, yet the conflict shows no sign of abating. My prayer today is for the safety of my people and for a peaceful resolution where these animals return to the forests and stay away from our villages and farms."

While residents like Shivanna from Balehonnur acknowledge the government’s steps, many emphasize that divine intervention must be coupled with research-based, permanent strategies to truly resolve the crisis. For now, the people of Sringeri wait for both policy and prayer to bring an end to the fear.

News india Fed Up With Elephant Menace, Karnataka MLA Turns To Ganesha Temple For Help