Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Jan 9: The growing conflict between humans and wildlife has become a serious cause for concern in Dakshina Kannada (DK) district. Experts point out that humans must refrain from intruding into forest areas. By crossing natural boundaries, humans are endangering both themselves and wildlife. Encroachments in the form of plantations, houses and resorts have provoked elephants, which are now being portrayed as villains.
Incidents of wild elephant attacks have increased in Dakshina Kannada, leaving residents of forest fringe areas distressed. Earlier, forest minister Eshwara Khandre himself had shared an alarming information, stating that around 80 elephants are currently moving across forest-border villages in Beltangady, Sullia, Puttur and Kadaba taluks.
The menace of wild elephants is intensifying day by day in forest-adjacent regions of the district, with frequent intrusions into plantations causing extensive crop damage. In Beltangady, Sullia, Puttur and Kadaba taluks, residents are living in constant fear due to elephant movement. In Shishila village of Beltangady taluk, crops have been destroyed, and arecanut and banana plants in several plantations have been damaged. The situation has left people deeply alarmed.
Taking note of the situation, forest minister Eshwar Khandre has instructed officials to remain vigilant. He has directed them to closely monitor elephant movement near residential areas, ensure that elephants are driven back into forest zones promptly, and take all precautionary measures to prevent loss of human life.
People in areas including Charmadi, Malavanti, Patrme, Kokkada and Shishila in Beltangady taluk, Siribagilu in Kadaba taluk, and parts of Sullia are reeling under the wild elephant menace. In Kadaba and Kokkada, two innocent lives have already been lost in elephant attacks. The forest minister’s confirmation of the movement of over 80 wild elephants across forest fringes of four taluks has further heightened public anxiety.