Belagavi: In a move to tackle the menace of wild elephants in Kodagu and Hassan districts, the state government is making efforts to establish an Elephant Soft Release Centre over 2,000 hectares near these regions.
Forest, Ecology, and Environment Minister Eshwar B Khandre informed this to the Legislative Assembly on Thursday while responding to a question by Belur MLA HK Suresh during the Question Hour.
The Minister said that daily patrols are being conducted in affected areas, and local residents are being informed about elephant movements through public announcements via loudspeakers. The department has deployed Elephant Task Force (ETF) teams, Rapid Response Teams (RRT), and Animal Driving Camp (ADC) personnel to monitor the situation and alert the public at night.
“In recent months, herds of wild elephants have been entering villages in the Bikkodu Hobli area of Belur taluk in Hassan district, causing significant damage to crops. The department is taking measures to drive these elephants back to forested areas,” he said.
Digital signboards have been installed in areas frequented by elephants to inform the public, and updates on elephant movements are being shared through All India Radio and WhatsApp groups. Departmental vehicles are also patrolling affected areas daily, providing updates via loudspeakers.
The Minister stated that the compensation for victims of wildlife attacks has been increased. Previously, families of those killed by wildlife attacks received Rs 7.5 lakh; this has now been doubled to Rs 15 lakh. Additionally, dependents of victims will receive a monthly pension of ₹4,000 for five years, he said.
