The Office Bearers of Kodava Samaja Bengaluru (KSB), led by its President, Chiriapanda Suresh Nanjappa, along with members of the Managing Committee and Legal Committee,visited Aranya Bhavan recently and met Dr. Meenakshi Negi, IFoS, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Head of Forest Force), Karnataka, and discuss the growing issue of human-wildlife conflict in Kodagu.
The KSB delegation apprised the Forest Department of the ground realities and expressed deep concern over the increasing incidents of human-wildlife conflict and the tragic loss of innocent human lives in Kodagu. A detailed and constructive discussion was held on possible measures that could be undertaken through collaborative efforts between the local community and the Forest Department.
The Key points which were discussed during the meeting are as follows
* The urgent need to strengthen forest boundaries by installing railway barricade fencing in vulnerable areas to prevent elephant intrusion into human habitations and agricultural lands.
* A request to examine the feasibility of temporarily suspending safari activities in Nagarahole and conducting a detailed study to identify the root causes driving wildlife into villages and plantation areas.
* The need to identify, capture, and relocate habitual conflict animals that repeatedly venture into human settlements.
* Discussions on the possibility of relocating entire troublesome elephant herds that have become permanent residents of coffee estate regions and are responsible for recurring conflict.
* The importance of exploring population management measures wherever scientifically and legally feasible.
* Enhancing the availability of natural food sources within forests through the planting and nurturing of fodder species, bamboo, jackfruit, and other suitable vegetation.
* The urgent need to control the spread of invasive lantana, which has significantly affected the quality and availability of wildlife habitat in many forest areas.
It was also agreed that Kodava Samaja Bengaluru would meet the CCF and senior officers of the Karnataka Forest Department again after a month to continue the dialogue and work towards practical, long-term solutions that safeguard both human lives and wildlife.
