Rs. 7.3 Crore Suspension Bridge to Be Constructed Soon
Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Ishwar B. Khandre said that suggestions had been received regarding scientific population control of selected wildlife species in identified areas to reduce human-wildlife conflict and crop damage, and stressed that the issue requires wider expert-level public discussion. He was speaking after laying the foundation stone for a new suspension bridge and officers’ quarters at Dubare and flagging off newly inducted departmental vehicles. The Minister stated that an expert committee constituted to study elephant-human conflict had already submitted its report and emphasized that people residing on forest fringes should also provide their suggestions.
He clarified that there was no shortage of funds for railway barricades and elephant trenches and assured that additional barricades would be installed after seeking further financial support from the Chief Minister.
Khandre observed that forest dwellers and people living near forest areas had protected forests for generations, but increasing human-wildlife conflict was now resulting in loss of precious human lives. He directed forest officials and staff to prioritize the protection of human life.
Suspension Bridge at a Cost of Rs. 7.3 Crore
The Minister announced that a quality suspension bridge costing Rs. 7.3 crore would be constructed to facilitate tourists and residents of around 150 houses in Dubare Hadi, especially during emergencies. He stated that the project fulfills a long-pending public demand.
Describing Kodagu as a globally significant biodiversity hotspot in the Western Ghats, Khandre said the district is home to diverse flora, fauna, birds and insects and called upon people to protect the environment.
Referring to climate change and global warming, he said cities such as Bengaluru were experiencing rising temperatures due to large-scale destruction of forests. He stressed that protecting forests and the environment is the collective responsibility of society.
The Minister credited former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s Wildlife Protection Act and Forest Conservation Act for helping preserve forests and wildlife. He emphasized the importance of wildlife in maintaining ecological balance and urged people living near forests to coexist peacefully with wildlife.
Khandre said the Forest Department was using advanced technology to monitor elephant movement. He noted that elephants frequently emerge from forests during November, December and January in search of corn crops, increasing conflict situations. He appealed to plantation owners and farmers to respond with patience and understanding.
He stated that Dubare Elephant Camp has a history of nearly 100 years and houses 15 Kumki elephants that participate in Dasara festivities and various departmental operations.
The Minister directed forest officials to interact courteously with people living near forests, create awareness about legal provisions and avoid unnecessarily intimidating the public.
He said several welfare programmes were being implemented for forest fringe communities, including livelihood support schemes and educational development initiatives.
Legislators raised issues relating to Section 4 lands and deemed forests, to which the Minister responded by assuring sincere efforts to resolve the concerns. He also stated that he would inaugurate the Arjuna Elephant Memorial at Yasalur later in the day.
MLA Dr. Mantar Gowda said Minister Khandre had brought significant reforms within the Forest Department. He highlighted the increasing elephant-human conflict in Kodagu and urged the government to relocate elephants straying into plantations and provide timely compensation for crop damage.
During the programme, beneficiaries from forest fringe villages received honey boxes, sewing machines and other assistance under the Forest Department’s Jan Samparka initiative.
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force Meenakshi Negi, Chief Wildlife Warden Kumar Pushkar, Manehalli Mutt seer Sri Mahant Shivalinga Swamiji, Kallahalli Mutt seer Sri Rudramuni Swamiji and others were present.
