Yaduveer urges Centre for lasting strategy on Kodagu human-elephant conflict

Mysuru and Kodagu Member of Parliament Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar has called on the Union government to formulate a permanent, long-term strategy to address the recurring human-elephant conflict in Kodagu district. During a meeting with Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav in New Delhi, Mr. Wadiyar submitted a representation detailing the urgent need for intervention to prevent further loss of life, crop damage, and property destruction caused by wild elephants venturing into farmlands and human settlements.

Farmers, plantation workers, and villagers residing along forest fringes in Kodagu continue to face the brunt of this conflict. The MP stressed the importance of a comprehensive and sustainable mitigation plan that includes strengthening elephant-proof barriers, expanding solar-powered fencing, scientific monitoring of elephant movements through GPS tracking, establishment of early warning systems, habitat improvement measures within forests, and deployment of rapid response teams. He also requested enhanced and timely compensation for families affected by elephant attacks and crop losses, emphasising that protecting human lives and livelihoods is as crucial as wildlife conservation.

In a separate representation, Mr. Wadiyar sought the inclusion of Tippayyana Kere, a lake located near Mysuru's Outer Ring Road and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Nagar, under the central government's Nagar Van (Urban Forest) scheme. He described the lake as an emerging biodiversity hotspot and recreational destination, noting that its development under the scheme would help expand Mysuru's green cover, promote biodiversity conservation, create opportunities for environmental education, and provide a healthier natural environment for residents.

The Nagar Van scheme aims to establish urban forests that enhance ecological balance and offer city dwellers access to nature. Mr. Wadiyar highlighted that Tippayyana Kere, with its existing water body and increasing role as a habitat for birds and other wildlife, is ideally suited for this initiative. He urged the Ministry to extend technical and financial assistance to realise the project's potential.

Kodagu, located in the Western Ghats, is characterised by dense forests and coffee plantations, but habitat fragmentation and expanding agriculture have intensified human-elephant encounters. The conflict often leads to tragic outcomes, making preventive measures and community support essential. The MP's proposals aim to foster coexistence by combining physical barriers, technology-driven monitoring, and adequate compensation mechanisms.

Following the meeting, Mr. Wadiyar stated that both the Kodagu elephant conflict and Mysuru's urban green infrastructure development require immediate attention from the Centre and the State government. The Union Minister reportedly gave an assurance that the representations would be examined positively and appropriate action taken after consultations with concerned authorities.