On Tuesday, the Minister of Forest ESHWAR Khandre sets the foundation stone for the construction of the Office for the Employe Working Group in Bikkod, Belur Taluk. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
The state government decided to set up soft release as a solution to man-slon conflict in Hassan by an experimental basis and the idea received mixed reactions within the Ministry, said the Minister for Forest, Ecology and the Environment of Eshwar Khandre.
Kandre, who spoke after laying the foundation stone for the construction of the ivory working group in Bikkod, Belur Taluk, said that approximately 80% of officers in the department were to believe that the soft release of elephants would solve the problem; However, the remaining 20% found it not suitable. “However, the government has decided to continue with the plan on an experimental basis,” he said.
Offers for building a soft release center would be invited within 20 days. Later in two months the construction would begin, he said.
The Minister worked out the problem and stated that Karnataka ranked first in the country with the highest number of elephants. Human conflict has intensified over the past 20 years. “About 60 elephants wandered in Hassan. Neighboring Chikkamagalur and Kodag districts also face similar problems,” he said.
The department has taken many measures, including the installation of railway barricades and solar fencing, among other things to avoid conflict. The department followed the movement of elephants to warn the public, he added.
With soft release of elephants, elephants would be released to Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary after their holding in a cover spread over 20 km. Km under supervision for several months.
Member of Hassan Lok Sabha Shreyas M. Patel, Belur Mla HK Suesh and higher forest department officers were present.
Published – May 13, 2025 20:20 is
