Responding to a question from journalists regarding the issue of wild elephants, MLA A.S. Ponnanna said that human-elephant conflict has persisted for many years and that the increasing elephant population has become a serious concern. He stated that several measures, including elephant trenches, fencing and railway barricades, have already been implemented. However, he stressed the need for a permanent solution and called upon all stakeholders to come together, irrespective of political affiliations, to formulate an effective strategy. Pointing out that the elephant population has been increasing year after year, he said that long-term measures are essential and that the safety and welfare of the public should remain the top priority.
Responding to a question regarding road works, the MLA said that road development projects were being affected due to the shortage of tar despite funds having been sanctioned. He attributed the problem to disruptions caused by the war and inadequate fuel supplies.
He said that Kodagu, being an agriculture-based district, was facing difficulties due to the shortage of fuel required for tractors and tillers.
Although tenders had been floated for the development of several roads in the Virajpet Assembly constituency, the works had come to a standstill because of the shortage of tar, he added.
President of the Taluk Guarantee Scheme Implementation Committee Kalemada Prashant, local residents Kanjithanda Gani Monnappa, Kanjithanda Poovanna, Konganda Kashi Kaverappa, Kollira Bopanna, Umesh Kechamayya, Girish Sundara, Kolatanda Raghu Machiah, Suraj Hosur, Kechamada Siddu Nachappa, Bhattakalanda Raja and others were present.
