From
Col CP Muthanna,
Chairman,
Kodagu Model Forest Trust
To,
Shri Eshwar Khandre,
Honorable Minister for Forests,
Government of Karnataka
Dear Shri Eshwar Khandre,
MITIGATION OF HUMAN WIDLIFE CONFLICT IN KODAGU AND ADJOING REGIONS
- The purpose of initiating the Kodagu Model Forest Program was to facilitate sustainable development in this region which is the Principal Catchment of River Cauvery and a hot spot of bio diversity. In this regard we have noted with concern that the Human Animal Conflict in Kodagu and adjoining regions has escalated alarmingly during the last two decades. This poses a serious problem for sustainable development in Kodagu and hence we have identified Mitigation of Human Animal Conflict as a Key Result Area.
- In order to resolve the problem to the maximum possible extent, there will be a need to revisit the very narrative of the conflict and also the methodology that has been followed so far. For this we have to go to the genesis of the matter and take into consideration all stake holders including Wildlife Species.
- Firstly we have to accept the fact that the emergence of conflict which was almost non-existent about two decades ago is due to the continued degradation of Forest Habitat. The forests of Kodagu and adjoining areas have been subjected to tremendous stress due to various interventions such as railway lines, highways, Power lines and dams. Much of the degradation is also due to forest fires that result in proliferation of invasive species.
- Secondly, despite over two decades of efforts, there has been a failure to chart out a proper Road Map with immediate, near term and long term measures. Instead we have been stumbling from one ‘Solution’ to another without a clear and comprehensive strategy.
5. MAIN ASPECTS
The main aspects that need to be taken into consideration are as follows:
[a] Forest fires and invasive species
[b] Securing of corridors for wildlife
[c]Dealing with elephants outside the forest habitat
[d] Transparency in forest works and accountability
[e] Morale of forest staff
[f] Constitution and functioning of the State Wildlife Board.
[g]Restriction on further forest degradation due to linear projects and dams etc.
[h]Deployment of Ecological Territorial Army units.
[i] Creating awareness and confidence among the public
[j]Involvement of District Administration.
[k[ Coordination with neighbouring districts and states
[l] Availability of funds
The following measures are suggested with respect to the above mentioned aspects.
6. Forest fires and invasive species
Forest fires
It is for consideration that forest fires cause proliferation of invasive species. Hence efforts to eradicate invasive species must be complemented by measures for prevention and mitigation of forest fires. Technological advancements such as drones are required for real time information of forest fires. Fire detection robots as introduced by China in Cambodian forests etc need to be utilized. We are attempting to obtain more information about the technology being used for fire detection robots.
Invasive species
Forest First Samiti based in Wayanad is carrying out very effective work in eradication of Lantana and Senna Spectabilus. The organization has recently been granted permission to work in Karnataka forests in the DB Kuppe area.
The work being carried out by Forest first Samithi needs to be scaled up and replicated in the entire Karnataka Forests.
7. Securing of corridors for wildlife
Securing corridors for movement of wildlife is a critical aspect for mitigation of Human Wildlife Conflict. The corridors have been identified and described in detail in the Wildlife Trust of India publication “Right of Passage”. This publication has been ratified by the MOEF and respective state governments.
With respect to Kodagu the Begur Brahmagiri Corridor in the Kutta-Wayanad area is important and securing this corridor will go a long way in reducing HAC in South Kodagu.
In addition to the Begur Brahmagiri Corridor we have also identified the following areas as potential Wildlife corridors:
[b] Rubber Estates in the Makutta and Kadmakal forest areas
[c] BBTC and Tata Coffee estates in Elk Hill and Margolli properties
[d] Doddaharve- Chikkabetageri- Muddenahalli
Makutta RF to be declared as Widlife Sanctuary
The Makutta Reserve forest between Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary and Talacauvery Wildlife Sanctuary should be declared as Wildlife area so as to form one contiguous protected area. This will enable better forest management along the western ghat hills of Kodagu and this will further help in mitigation of HEC in the area. It is also for consideration that this the presence of Lion Tailed Macaque has been confirmed in this area through a study that was facilitated by the Coorg Wildlife Society.
- Ecological Territorial Army Unit for Kodagu
An Ecological Territorial Army Unit for Kodagu will be very useful for Forest Land Restoration, mitigation of forest fires and eradication of invasive species. We will convey further details to you on this matter at a personal level in coordination with other senior officers of the Karnataka Forest Department
9. Dealing with elephants outside the forest habitat
There are about two hundred elephants that are almost permanent residents in the coffee plantations and and sacred groves of Kodagu outside the forest habitat .Only a small number of them can be tamed and rehabilitated as Kumkis in the existing elephant camps. Hence most of them need to be captured and introduced back to the forest habitat. However, as of now this is not practical because the elephants that are captured and relocated into the forests, return to the areas outside the forests due to gaps and improper maintenance of the barricades along the forest boundaries. Therefore the concept of ‘Soft release’ will need to be applied. This implies that areas of about five kms by five kms will need to be identified inside the forests and these areas will have to be covered by elephant proof trenches and solar fences. The captured elephants should be trans located into these enclosures and they could be released once the barricades along the forest boundaries are made fool proof.
10. Railway barricade to be completed in the Marapala area
The elephant proof railway barricade along the Nagarahole National Park in Kodagu has a large gap in the area of Marapala due to some objections by some of the tribal families inside the National Park in the Anechowkur range. This is resulting in elephants crossing into south Kodagu. A number of elephant attacks have occurred in this area and the elephants travel long distances from here towards the West and cause problems to a very large population in South Kodagu, endangering the lives of people, especially plantation labourers and estate owners. A tribal lady was killed near Thithimathi recently and there have been several attacks around Thithimathi and further to the West. It is therefore imperative that the matter with the tribal families inside Nagarahole is resolved and the gap is closed immediately. If this is not done, there would be complications later on resulting in the loss of hundreds of acres of the Nagarahole National Park. There may also be an attempt by Anti National Elements to obtain a foot hold in this area
- Transparency in forest works and accountability
This is a very important aspect for any agency that is dealing with large funds. Therefore it is suggested that for all forest works that are above twenty lakhs the work will be inspected and ratified by the HOFF/ Chief Wildlife Warden and at least two members of the State Wildlife Board. For works below twenty lakhs, the works will have to be inspected and ratified by the concerned district wildlife warden along with the PDO, President of the concerned Gram Panchayat and at least two other members of the Gram Panchayat.
- Morale of forest staff
One aspect regarding morale is that political involvement in postings should be restricted to the extent possible . The HOFF and Chief Wildlife Warden should have the authority for posting of forest officers up to the level of Deputy Conservator of Forests. With regard to temporary forest watchers, the present system of recruiting them through labour contractors needs to be abolished. Instead, the responsibility for recruitment should be delegated to the respective DFOs. Thereafter, the salary and allowances for the temporary forest watchers should be credited directly to their individual bank accounts
- Constitution and functioning of the State Wildlife Board.
The State Wildlife Board is an important entity and it should comprise of individuals who have expertise in the field of conservation and conflict mitigation. The selection of persons to the SWLB should not be influenced by political considerations. The members should be shortlisted by the Chief Wildlife Warden in consultation with the HOFF and subsequently this should be put up to the Forest Minister for ratification.
- Creating awareness and confidence among the public
At the district level, there is a need for forest officers to have frequent interaction with the public through meetings, pamphlets, radio programs etc. At present there is a fair level of cooperation between the front line forest staff and the local communities. However there are incidences of indifference and high handedness. In one extreme case an RFO in Kodagu by the name of Ratan Kumar took an estate supervisor into custody following the death of an elephant due to electrocution. Thereafter the estate supervisor was brutally assaulted by the RFO and others in a bid to elicit a false confession from him to state that he deliberately caused the death of the elephant on the instructions of the estate owner. The case is still pending with the police. This incident occurred in March this year but it has come to our knowledge only recently. Such behaviour by forest staff is unacceptable. While the police case may take its course, we call upon you to order a departmental enquiry following which the RFO and his accomplices should be dismissed from service. Such exemplary punishment is definitely required in order to ensure that such horrific incidents do not occur in future. We shall soon be sending you a detailed communication on this matter.
15.Revival of EDCs.
The EDCs [Eco development committees]were doing very good work in the past with regard to maintaining solar fences along the forest boundary. However EDCs are no longer functional . It would therefore be very important to revive the system of EDCs whereby there would be involvement of the local communities.
16.Involvement of District Administration.
In conflict affected districts, the Deputy Commissioner should convene a bi monthly meeting of forest officers, NGOs, Farmers organizations etc to discuss and review conflict mitigation measures and to examine any fresh suggestions that are put up
- Coordination with neighbouring districts and states
There will be a need for the KFD to conduct coordination meetings with neighbouring conflict effected Districts and States. In this regard, please find attached a note on ‘ Habitat Management in the Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve and the Elephant Reserves of South India’.
- Availability of Funds
Availability of sufficient funds is essential for conflict mitigation. Therefore it would be very important for our Member of Parliament to liaise with the Central Government and obtain funds for the various programs. The KFD should also strive to obtain CSR funding
The above list of recommendations is not exhaustive. There are various other important issues such as deputation of Officer on Special Duty, functioning of RRTs, mitigation measures for Tiger attacks etc. We will be discussing these subjects during a conference on HAC that will be held at the College of Forestry, Ponnampet in the near future. Thereafter we will be handing over to you a comprehensive list of recommendations for your kind consideration and perusal.
Thanking You,
Sincerely,
Col (Retd) CP Muthanna
