Belagavi: Karnataka is home to 6,395 elephants and 563 tigers, according to the latest wildlife census conducted across the state’s wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Eshwar B. Khandre informed the Legislative Council.
Responding to a starred question by MLC Dr. Thimmayya, the minister said the state has intensified measures to address the growing challenge of human–wildlife conflict, particularly involving elephants and tigers straying into human habitats.
The minister said problematic elephants and tigers involved in human fatalities are being specifically identified and captured, while proactive steps are being taken to prevent wild animals from venturing outside forest boundaries.
Focus on Conflict-Prone Zones
In areas witnessing frequent human–wildlife conflict, anti-poaching camp personnel have been temporarily redeployed to forest-edge zones. These teams will conduct continuous patrols for the next three months to prevent encounters and ensure early intervention.
Rapid Response Teams & Technology Push
Each conflict-prone wildlife division has been equipped with a Rapid Response Team (RRT) operating in shifts. These teams are supported by:
- Quick response vehicles
- Drones
- Special monitoring equipment
Personnel have been drawn from existing Elephant Task Forces, Rapid Response Teams, and Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF) units.
To strengthen surveillance, the department has installed Real-Time GSM Surveillance Cameras integrated with Garuda Software in forest-edge areas where network connectivity is available. Data from these systems is being used for real-time monitoring and conflict management.
Additionally, camera traps have been extensively installed in buffer and fringe forest zones of tiger reserves to track animal movement and prevent surprise intrusions.
Physical Barriers & Infrastructure Measures
To prevent elephants from entering human settlements, the government has undertaken:
- Construction and maintenance of solar-powered fencing
- Digging and upkeep of elephant-proof trenches
- Creation of railway-track barricades
So far, 428 kilometres of railway barricades have been constructed in regions with high human–elephant conflict to prevent elephants from crossing forest boundaries.
Long-Term Strategy
The minister said the state has constituted Elephant Task Forces and Leopard Task Forces, while simultaneously improving water availability and habitat quality within forest areas to discourage wildlife from moving out.
A five-year strategic action plan aimed at long-term prevention of human–wildlife conflict is currently under examination, with a strong emphasis on technology-driven, rapid-response conservation governance.
ಇದನ್ನೂ ಓದಿ: ರಾಜ್ಯದಲ್ಲಿ 6,395 ಆನೆಗಳು, 563 ಹುಲಿಗಳು: ಮಾನವ–ವನ್ಯಜೀವಿ ಸಂಘರ್ಷ ನಿಯಂತ್ರಣಕ್ಕೆ ಸಮಗ್ರ ಕ್ರಮ – ಸಚಿವ ಈಶ್ವರ ಖಂಡ್ರೆ
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