The Human Rights International Federation has urged the government to formulate a comprehensive and scientific action plan to address the growing problem of human-wildlife conflict and has called for the removal of teak, eucalyptus and acacia plantations from forest areas.
A delegation led by State President Harish G. Acharya submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner and Forest Department officials in Kodagu, highlighting the increasing incidents of wildlife attacks in Kodagu, Chikkamagaluru, Shivamogga, Hassan and other districts.
The delegation stated that attacks by elephants, tigers and other wild animals have resulted in the loss of human lives and extensive damage to agricultural crops. They urged the government to treat the issue as a matter of urgent concern. According to the memorandum, the scarcity of food and water within forest ecosystems has contributed significantly to the movement of wildlife into human habitations. The organisation alleged that large-scale cultivation of teak, eucalyptus and acacia species has adversely affected biodiversity and reduced the availability of natural food sources for wildlife.
The representatives pointed out that grass does not grow effectively beneath teak plantations and argued that such monoculture plantations have reduced the natural carrying capacity of forests. As a result, wild animals are increasingly venturing into farmlands in search of food and water. They noted that monkeys are causing extensive damage to coconut, arecanut and mango plantations, while wild boars are destroying potato, paddy and other agricultural crops. Frequent elephant movement has also created fear among agricultural workers, affecting farm operations and productivity.
Harish G. Acharya warned that if the situation continues unchecked, farmers may eventually abandon agriculture and migrate in search of alternative livelihoods. Â The Federation demanded the gradual removal of teak, eucalyptus and acacia plantations and called for the large-scale cultivation of grasslands, bamboo species and fruit-bearing trees capable of providing food and habitat for wildlife.
The memorandum also proposed the aerial dispersal of seeds in forest areas during the monsoon season to accelerate ecological restoration efforts. In addition, the organisation urged the government to create water bodies within forests to ensure adequate drinking water for wild animals. It also called for restrictions on projects that may adversely affect wildlife habitats, including certain industrial projects, power transmission lines, railway projects and tourism-related developments.
The delegation emphasised that development activities should not be permitted at the cost of wildlife conservation and demanded the allocation of substantial funds for implementing long-term measures to prevent wildlife attacks.
Among those present during the submission of the memorandum were Virajpet Taluk Vice-President Vanchira Vitthal Nanaiah, Moornadu President Ammananda Thimmaiah Satish, Vice-President Chettimada Sunil, Advisor Dr. Jagat Thimmaiah, member AmmanandaPoonacha and other office-bearers of the organisation.
