Joint Committee Emerges to Confront Rising Human-Elephant Conflict in Malnad Region
With incidents of human-elephant conflict continuing to escalate across the picturesque Malnad region of Karnataka, concerted efforts to find lasting and sustainable solutions have gained significant momentum. In a proactive move, people's representatives, including Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs), Members of Parliament (MPs), planters, and various environmental and social organisations, have united to form a joint committee. This committee specifically covers the districts of Hassan, Chikkamagaluru, and Kodagu, where the conflict has reached an acute and distressing level, threatening both human lives and elephant populations.
Coordinated Action and Key Resolutions
The newly formed committee convened its inaugural meeting in Sakleshpura, a town in Hassan district, to chart a course of action. The members resolved to take coordinated and decisive steps to press both the state government of Karnataka and the Union government to adopt permanent, scientific, and effective measures to address the escalating conflict. It was unanimously decided that the committee would not only advocate for immediate action but also propose specific, well-structured relief programmes to the governments, ensuring a holistic approach to the crisis.
Voices from the Ground: Demands for Permanent Solutions
Sakleshpur MLA, Cement Manju, emphasised that while providing compensation for deaths caused by elephant attacks is undeniably important, it is equally crucial for the government to implement a comprehensive and long-term programme to permanently resolve the issue. "There is no shortage of land, food, or water resources to create a dedicated elephant sanctuary in the region. What is truly lacking is the political willpower and administrative determination to act decisively," he stated, highlighting a critical gap in current efforts.
Chief coordinator of the committee, RP Venkatesh Murthy, put forth a visionary proposal calling for the creation of a separate, autonomous board dedicated solely to elephant rehabilitation and conflict management. He suggested that this board should be inclusive, comprising MPs, MLAs, farmers, and representatives of public interest organisations from the affected areas, with the chairman being elected by local communities to ensure grassroots involvement. "An officer of the rank of deputy conservator of forests should serve as the secretary, with funding sourced from both the Centre and the state, along with the authority to receive contributions through corporate social responsibility initiatives," he elaborated, outlining a practical framework for governance and finance.
Addressing Immediate Concerns and Future Plans
Karnataka Farmers' Federation general secretary, TP Surendra, offered a stark perspective, arguing that calls for peaceful coexistence with elephants often fail to reflect the harsh ground reality faced by farmers and workers in the region. "Until a permanent solution is implemented and operationalised, the families of farmers and workers killed in elephant attacks should be granted Rs 1 crore in compensation, on par with what is provided to forest department staff. Additionally, maximum and timely compensation must be ensured for crop losses and property damage caused by elephants," he demanded, stressing the need for immediate financial relief.
Among the key resolutions adopted during the meeting was the formation of an all-party delegation. This delegation aims to highlight the seriousness and urgency of the human-elephant conflict issue before the Chief Minister of Karnataka, the Forest Minister, and relevant Union ministers. Furthermore, the meeting decided to establish a dedicated sub-committee. This sub-committee will comprise MPs, MLAs, former legislators, leaders from all political parties, activists, farmers, and labour organisation representatives. Its primary mandate will be to draft scientific, practical, and actionable proposals for submission to the government, ensuring that the solutions are both evidence-based and feasible.
The formation of this joint committee marks a significant step forward in addressing one of Karnataka's most pressing environmental and social challenges. By bringing together diverse stakeholders and focusing on both immediate relief and long-term rehabilitation, the initiative aims to create a safer and more harmonious coexistence between humans and elephants in the Malnad region.
