Forest Minister Eshwar B Khandre performs guddali puja for the ₹7.3 crore suspension bridge project at Dubara near Kushalnagar in Kodagu district on May 6. Photo credit: Special arrangement
With the Center rejecting Karnataka’s proposal to set up a soft release center for wild elephants at the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, the forest department has identified a new site for the facility and a detailed project report (DPR) is being prepared.
Announcing this on Wednesday, May 6, Forest Minister Eshwar B. Khandre said the proposal for Bhadra was not approved as it is also a tiger reserve. “We have now identified an alternative suitable site. The state has committed to establishing a soft release center for wild elephants as a measure to address human-elephant conflict,” he said.
Talking to reporters after laying the foundation stone for a suspension bridge over the Cauvery river at Dubar near Kushalnagar in Kodagu district, the minister said the government was working on solutions to mitigate the conflict in vulnerable areas. “Kodagu is one of the affected areas and we hope to find a long-term solution,” he added.
Mr Khandre said about 300 wild elephants are currently outside forest areas, mostly in plantations and agricultural areas, leading to frequent conflicts. “The proposed ‘Aane Dhama’ aims to rehabilitate such elephants. However, capturing even a single elephant is a big logistical challenge and we have to ensure that there is no loss of life,” he said.
He added that numerous mitigation measures are being implemented, including rail barriers, elephant-proof trenches and rapid response teams. “Our frontline staff and elephant task force teams are constantly on the move to handle conflict situations,” he said.
The minister also sought cooperation from people living near forest areas. “If residents follow the instructions issued during conflict situations, unpleasant incidents can be avoided and the problem can be solved more effectively,” he said.
Suspension bridge project
The proposed suspension bridge over the Cauvery at Dubar is estimated to cost ₹ 7.30 crore and will be jointly executed by the Forest Department and the Public Works Department.
The bridge is expected to benefit more than 150 families living in Dubare haadi. The demand for the bridge came not only from local residents, but also from the forest department and elected representatives, the minister said. Once completed, the bridge is also expected to become a tourist attraction for visitors to Dubare Elephant Camp.
Published – May 6, 2026 6:37 PM IST
