Wild Elephants Wreak Havoc in Siddapur, Kodagu; Residents Demand Lasting Solution

Elephants seen near a coffee plantation in Kodagu. Farmers say frequent incursions by wild herds have led to extensive crop losses and growing fear in the region. (Representative image)

Virajpet: A wave of destruction caused by a herd of wild elephants has left farmers in Siddapur reeling under severe financial losses. The animals, which have taken refuge in the coffee estates of Mekur-Hoskeri and Chennayannakote villages located within the Thithimathi forest range, have damaged vast stretches of crops and plantations, worsening the crisis for local growers.

Farmers from the Biddanda, Kuppanda, and Baduvanda Kodava families have reported extensive damage to coconut, areca nut, and coffee plants, with estimated losses running into several lakhs of rupees. Many of them now face uncertainty as their primary source of income has been destroyed overnight.

Following desperate appeals from the affected villagers, forest officials led by Virajpet taluk Deputy Conservator of Forests, Jagannath, launched an operation to chase the elephants back into the Devamachi Reserve Forest. Although the initial effort seemed successful, the herd reportedly returned under the cover of darkness, causing further destruction. The recurring visits have now become a nightmare for both farmers and the forest department.

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“We are losing our livelihood year after year. Temporary drives are not helping. The government must come up with a lasting solution,” said one of the affected planters. The community has urged authorities to implement measures such as elephant-proof trenches and solar fencing to protect farmlands.

Meanwhile, anxiety has gripped Shirangala gram panchayat after a leopard was spotted in the Chikkanayakanahosalli area. Locals have petitioned the forest department to install a trap and capture the animal, fearing for their safety and that of their livestock.

The growing conflict between humans and wildlife in Kodagu has severely affected both rural livelihoods and community safety. Farmers continue to face repeated elephant intrusions into coffee estates, coconut groves, areca plantations, and even residential areas, resulting in heavy crop damage and widespread anxiety among villagers.

The underlying causes are complex shrinking forest cover, the expansion of plantations along forest boundaries, and mounting pressure on traditional animal corridors have all contributed to the problem. Consequently, farmers are struggling with declining incomes and increased insecurity, while wildlife endures shrinking habitats and a higher risk of human retaliation.

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