Eshwar Khandre. | Photo credit: File photo
The recent deaths of a 17-year-old girl living on the edge of the forest and a 55-year-old tribal woman living in the forest — both victims of elephant attacks — were discussed in the Legislative Council on Tuesday, with calls for a permanent solution to the growing human-wildlife conflict in districts like Kodagu.
Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre termed the incidents as “extremely tragic” in a reply to member Suja Kushalappa and said sincere efforts are being made to find a permanent solution to the growing human-elephant conflict.
Responding to a motion raised by Mr. Kushalappa during Zero Hour in the Council, the Minister said that approval has been given for the construction of rail barricades in 2025-26 to prevent elephants from entering human settlements – 7 km in Madikeri Forest Division and 20 km in Nagarahole Division. The work will start soon.
While Mr. Khandre said that human life is priceless and cannot be measured in terms of money, he said that the forest department is implementing several measures to prevent human-wildlife conflict. These include digging elephant-proof trenches, maintaining solar-powered fencing and deploying two elephant task forces.
Warrant to capture
He added that the Chief Wildlife Warden has issued an order to capture the two rogue elephants involved in the attacks. In both cases, the government has already released ₹5 crore as immediate compensation to the families of the deceased. The remaining ₹15 crore each will be released within a week, the minister said.
Mr Khandre said the government was working on long-term measures to control human-elephant conflict.
Published – 10 March 2026 18:50 IST
