Kodagu named key conflict hotspot in Centre’s Elephant Mitigation Plan

The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has assured support for tackling the escalating human-elephant conflict in Kodagu district, responding positively to a representation submitted by Mysuru-Kodagu MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar. The Centre has promised financial assistance and confirmed Kodagu’s inclusion in a comprehensive Regional Action Plan (RAP) to mitigate human-elephant conflict across southern India.

The Ministry’s response follows a memorandum submitted by the MP to Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav during a meeting in New Delhi recently, highlighting the growing threat faced by farmers, plantation owners and residents living along the forest fringes of Kodagu.

According to a press release, the Ministry said financial assistance is already being extended to States under Centrally sponsored schemes such as Development of Wildlife Habitats and Project Tiger and Elephant to strengthen conservation measures and address human-wildlife conflict.

It further informed that Kodagu has been identified as one of the major conflict hotspots under the proposed Regional Action Plan for southern India. The plan envisages improving elephant habitats, conserving and managing elephant corridors, establishing early warning systems, strengthening rapid response mechanisms and promoting active community participation.

For Karnataka, the proposed five-year action plan is estimated to cost around ₹350 crore. It aims to facilitate the safe movement of elephants, reduce their entry into human habitations and agricultural lands, and minimise loss of life and damage to property, the release said.

The Ministry also noted that the Wildlife Institute of India is conducting a study on promoting human-elephant coexistence in southern India through satellite telemetry and community-based early warning systems. Based on its recommendations, a dedicated early warning mechanism may be introduced in Kodagu, the release added.

Welcoming the Centre’s response, Mr. Wadiyar said a lasting solution to the recurring conflict would require coordinated efforts by the Union and State governments, the Forest Department and local communities to ensure the safety of both people and wildlife.

He reiterated his commitment to pursuing measures that address the concerns of farmers and residents in Kodagu while advocating sustainable, long-term solutions to the district’s persistent human-elephant conflict.