Media Release

Karkala, Jul 13: The forest department has instituted a jeep transportation system for 15 students in the Someshwar reserved forest, Hebri, easing fears of elephant encounters.

Elephants in Someshwara Sanctuary, Nadalu village, Hebri taluk, have instilled fear among residents. Gaurav S M, the range forest officer of Hebri, arranged the jeep to ensure students' safe passage.

Concerned about student safety, Gaurav S M wrote to higher officials, resulting in the jeep service under the guidance of Karikalan, CCF; Shivaram Babu, DCF; Prakash Poojary, ACF; and Junaid Abda, DRFO.

The jeep makes 8 trips per day, transporting students from Megadde, Vanajaru, Kudlu, Kedbhumakki, and Belar to Nellikatte bus stop in the early morning.

Residents have protested to drive away the elephants, pressuring the forest department. The department used this as an opportunity to demonstrate its ongoing collaboration with the public.

Gaurav M S stated, "Our department stands firmly with the community. Senior officials responded to my request, arranging jeep transportation for safe travel to school. There is no need for anyone to be afraid."

Anvitha, a class 5 student, expressed gratitude, saying, "With the jeep facility, we are freed from the fear of elephants. Earlier, our parents had to drop us at school, and our bags got wet during the monsoon."

Local residents added, "Elephants constantly attack and destroy agriculture here. There was fear for life when taking children to school. The forest department's jeep service has given us courage."