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8 Lives Lost in Kodagu So Far This Year as Human–Wildlife Conflict Escalates

According to official records, one death each was reported in January, February, May and June, while two deaths were recorded each in July and August.
According to official records, one death each was reported in January, February, May and June, while two deaths were recorded each in July and August.

Madikeri/Bengaluru: The human–wildlife conflict in Kodagu has claimed eight lives so far this year, with the latest incident reported near Maldare in Virajpet taluk on Tuesday, highlighting the growing threat faced by people living and working close to forest areas.


According to official records, one death each was reported in January, February, May and June, while two deaths were recorded each in July and August. Of the eight fatalities, seven were caused by attacks involving wild elephants.


The latest incident occurred when a wild elephant attacked coffee estate labourers near Maldare. One worker was killed in the attack, while another sustained serious injuries and was admitted for treatment.


The death reported in May was different from the other cases, involving a captive elephant at the Dubare Elephant Camp that fatally attacked a tourist.


Amid the rising incidents, Virajpet MLA and Chief Minister’s Political Secretary A.S. Ponnanna has urged Forest Minister Ramalinga Reddy to initiate both immediate relief measures and long-term solutions to address the escalating human–wildlife conflict in Kodagu.


During a meeting with the minister, Ponnanna highlighted the increasing movement of wildlife into human settlements and agricultural areas in Kodagu, particularly in the Virajpet Assembly constituency. He briefed the minister on the difficulties faced by residents and farmers and stressed the need for measures to prevent recurring incidents.


Ponnanna also sought immediate assistance for families and individuals affected by wildlife attacks and called for a permanent strategy to minimise human–wildlife encounters.


Responding to the MLA’s request, Ramalinga Reddy assured him that he would visit Kodagu after the ongoing Legislative Assembly session. The minister is likely to visit the district around August 28 to inspect affected areas and hold discussions with elected representatives and officials on major forest and wildlife-related issues.


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