In Shivamogga, farmers are facing a severe crisis due to the increasing attacks by wild elephants from Bhadra reservoir. The elephants have been destroying crops, leaving farmers with significant losses. The affected villages include Puradal, Belur, Male Shankara, Hasuru, and Sirigere, in and around Shettihalli wildlife sanctuary.
Despite the forest department’s initial efforts to drive away the elephants using crackers, the pachyderms continued to raid farms at night, damaging crops and plantations. Frustrated farmers protested outside the DC’s office last week, demanding action against the elephant menace.
Following the protests, the forest department launched an operation to chase back the wild elephants on Saturday. Half dozen elephants repeatedly entered villages. Three elephants from Sakrebilu elephant camp and staff from Shettihalli wildlife sanctuary have been deployed to assist in the operation.
The Bhadra and Shettihalli wildlife sanctuaries share a border, with the Tunga river flowing between them. The elephants entered Shivamogga from Chikkamagaluru when the backwaters receded months back.
According to forest officials, chasing back the elephants is challenging due to the high water levels in the Tunga River. Elephants can’t swim in the deep flowing backwater. However, they have managed to contain the situation without causing harm to humans or animals.
This move gained momentum after farmers submitted a memorandum to the Forest Minister Eshwar B Khandre and the District In-charge Minister Madhu Bangarappa, requesting immediate action to address the elephant menace.
