Human-Elephant Conflict in Kodagu Raised in Legislative Council

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Bengaluru: Two recent fatalities caused by elephant attacks in Kodagu district were brought up in the Karnataka Legislative Council on Tuesday, 10 March, 2026 prompting calls for long-term measures to address the rising human-wildlife conflict in the region.

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The incidents involved a 17-year-old girl living near the forest boundary and a 55-year-old tribal woman who resided inside a forest settlement. Both lost their lives after being attacked by elephants, highlighting the dangers faced by people living close to forest areas.

Replying to concerns raised by member Suja Kushalappa, Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre described the incidents as deeply unfortunate and said the government was making serious efforts to tackle the growing conflict between humans and elephants.

During Zero Hour, Suja Kushalappa suggested steps to prevent elephants from straying into villages and settlements. Responding to this, Khandre informed the House that approval has been granted for the installation of rail barricade barriers during the 2025–26 financial year. Under this plan, around 7 km of barricades will be constructed in the Madikeri forest division and 20 km in the Nagarahole division to restrict the movement of elephants into human habitations. The work is expected to begin soon.

The Minister said that while no compensation can replace the value of human life, the Forest Department has been taking multiple steps to minimise such incidents. Measures include digging elephant-proof trenches, maintaining solar-powered electric fences, and deploying two specialised elephant task forces to monitor and manage elephant movement.

Khandre also said that the Chief Wildlife Warden has issued directions to capture two elephants suspected to be responsible for the attacks.

The government has already provided ₹5 lakh each as immediate relief to the families of the victims. The remaining ₹15 lakh compensation will be disbursed within a week, he added.

The Minister noted that the government is also working on broader and long-term strategies to reduce human-elephant conflict in vulnerable districts.

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