Mysuru-Kodagu Lok Sabha Member of Parliament Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wodeyar met Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav and submitted representations on two important issues concerning the Mysuru-Kodagu region. He particularly appealed for a permanent solution to the growing human-elephant conflict in Kodagu district.
Urgent Measures Needed to Address Human-Elephant ConflictÂ
During the meeting, Yaduveer Wodeyar brought to the Minister’s attention the increasing incidents of elephants straying into agricultural lands and residential areas across various parts of Kodagu district, which have emerged as a major concern for the people.
He pointed out that elephant attacks have resulted in loss of human lives, injuries, crop damage, destruction of property and an atmosphere of fear among the public. Farmers, planters and labourers residing in forest fringe villages are bearing the brunt of the problem, he said.
In this context, he urged the Central Government to help formulate a comprehensive and long-term strategy to mitigate human-elephant conflict. He sought measures such as strengthening elephant barriers and solar fencing, scientific monitoring of elephant movements, establishment of early warning systems, improvement of forest habitats, formation of quick response teams and strengthening the compensation mechanism for affected families and farmers.
He stressed that while wildlife conservation remains of paramount importance, safeguarding the lives and livelihoods of people residing in forest fringe areas is equally essential.
Speaking after the meeting, Yaduveer Wodeyar said that both the issue of human-elephant conflict in Kodagu and the development of urban green infrastructure in Mysuru require immediate attention and that the Central and State Governments must work in coordination.
He added that he has been making continuous efforts to ensure a balance between public safety, environmental conservation and sustainable development.
Union Minister Bhupender Yadav assured the MP that the requests would be considered positively and that necessary action would be initiated after consultations with the concerned authorities.
