Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Aug 30: Sullia MLA Bhagirathi Murulya has urged the Forest Department and Dakshina Kannada district administration to take permanent measures to prevent elephants from straying into agricultural fields and plantations and damaging crops.
Murulya raised the issue at the District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DISHA) meeting chaired by Dakshina Kannada MP Capt Brijesh Chowta on Saturday.
She urged the Forest Department to install solar fencing along the periphery of forest areas to prevent elephants from entering agricultural land and causing damage to crops.
Officials informed the meeting that a proposal to establish an elephant camp at Gundya has been submitted to the government and approval is awaited.
An Elephant Task Force comprising 25 personnel is currently operational in Dakshina Kannada. The team is involved in efforts to drive elephants back into forest areas.
According to officials, around 80 elephants have been involved in crop damage across the district. Around 10 elephants are currently present in the Aanegundi Reserve Forest area alone.
Farmers are being provided a 50% subsidy to install solar fencing as a preventive measure against elephant incursions.
During 2026-27, compensation amounting to Rs 3.3 lac has been released to 19 people for crop losses caused by elephants. However, compensation worth Rs 73 lac is still pending for 381 affected farmers.
Officials said the pending compensation would be disbursed once the government releases the required funds.
Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner Darshan HV said he would discuss the matter with the Deputy Conservator of Forests and Chief Conservator of Forests and explore permanent solutions to the recurring elephant menace.
FIR sought over peacock's death at GMPL premises
Meanwhile, Bajpe Town Panchayat president Lokesh Poojary accused the Forest Department of failing to take action against Gail Mangalore Petrochemicals Limited (GMPL) after a peacock was found dead on the company's premises.
Poojary alleged that company employees buried the peacock without informing the Forest Department.
Forest officials said they visited the site after receiving information about the incident. However, by the time they reached the spot, the company employees had already buried the bird.
The carcass was subsequently exhumed and sent for post-mortem examination. Officials said no conclusive findings could be reached as the carcass was in an advanced stage of decomposition.
Taking note of the issue, Deputy Commissioner Darshan HV questioned officials over why an FIR had not been registered against the company for the alleged violation of rules.
He directed the officials to initiate immediate steps to register an FIR in connection with the matter.