Forest Minister Ramalinga Reddy Discusses Kasturirangan Report, Human-Elephant Conflict with Kodagu Stakeholders

The meeting focused on finding a scientific and sustainable solution to human-elephant conflict, besides discussing issues related to the Kasturirangan report, tiger conflicts and trekking in forest areas.

Madikeri: Amid growing human-animal conflict in Kodagu, Karnataka Forest Minister Ramalinga Reddy on Friday held consultations with public organisations, various associations and elected representatives, cutting across party lines, to discuss measures to address the increasing wild elephant menace in the district.

The meeting focused on finding a scientific and sustainable solution to human-elephant conflict, besides discussing issues related to the Kasturirangan report, tiger conflicts and trekking in forest areas.

Speaking to The Kodagu Express exclusively after the meeting, Reddy said several issues concerning Kodagu were discussed in detail, including the Kasturirangan report and its possible impact on the people of the district.

“We had a detailed discussion on the Kasturirangan report, including its pros and cons, and also discussed the increasing human-animal conflict in Kodagu. I have directed the forest officials to prepare and implement a long-term and scientific solution to the human-elephant conflict. The approach should not be limited to reacting to incidents after elephants enter human habitations. We need to identify vulnerable areas, strengthen preventive measures, monitor elephant movements and improve early-warning and rapid-response systems. We will also examine measures to improve availability of food and water inside forests so that elephants are discouraged from entering agricultural and residential areas. The department will work with local communities and elected representatives to evolve practical solutions suited to Kodagu’s ground realities,” he said.

The Minister said the government would also examine concerns relating to tiger attacks and conflicts and issues surrounding trekking and other activities in forest areas.

A major concern raised by coffee growers during the meeting was the delay in obtaining permission from the Forest Department for cutting trees on coffee estates. Planters said the delay was affecting their agricultural activities and causing difficulties in managing their estates.

Reddy said he had directed officials to expedite the process.

“Tree-cutting permission is an important issue for coffee growers in Kodagu. I have instructed the officials to examine the pending applications and expedite the process in accordance with the rules. Genuine cases should not be unnecessarily delayed. At the same time, the department will ensure that the regulations meant to protect the environment are followed. We will look at ways to simplify and speed up the procedure without compromising forest protection,” he said.

The meeting also saw participation from leaders of the BJP. Former MLA K.G. Bopaiah raised several issues concerning the district, while BJP MLC Suja Kushalappa was also present. Congress MLAs A.S. Ponnanna and Mantar Gowda participated in the discussions.

Meanwhile, Mysuru-Kodagu MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar met Reddy in Mysuru on Friday and submitted detailed proposals on the human-elephant conflict and the Kasturirangan report.

Wadiyar could not attend the special meeting in Kodagu as he was attending a pre-scheduled DISHA meeting in Mysuru.

On the elephant conflict, the MP urged the government to adopt a scientific and long-term approach, including strengthening protective infrastructure along vulnerable forest boundaries, real-time monitoring of elephant movements, early-warning systems and rapid-response mechanisms.

He also suggested ensuring adequate fodder and water within forests to reduce the movement of elephants into human settlements. He stressed the need for coordinated use of State and national resources, along with effective preventive measures and timely compensation for affected families.

On the Kasturirangan report, Wadiyar said environmental conservation must go hand in hand with protecting the rights and livelihoods of people living in the Western Ghats.

He sought physical verification on the ground rather than relying solely on satellite imagery, accurate identification of residential and agricultural areas, protection of lawful farming activities and wider consultation with local communities.

He urged the State government to ensure that any proposal sent to the Union government accurately reflects Kodagu’s ground realities and the concerns of its people.

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