Karnataka government to expedite installation of rail barricades to prevent elephants from entering human habitats

“The installation of rail barricades in Chikkamagaluru to prevent elephants from entering human habitat is on and the work will be completed soon. More funds will be sought in the budget for this project,” he said.

However, the installation of rail barricades is a costly affair. “Even in the delegation, this issue of the cost of installation of rail barricades was raised. The cost comes to around Rs 1.5 crore per kilometre. The state government has estimated around Rs 500 crore for the entire project. The issue of elephants entering human habitats is a big issue for the elected representatives and the forest department in Hassan, Kodagu, Chikkamagaluru, Ramanagara, and Kanakapura,” a senior official from the forest department said on the condition of anonymity.

On June 20, a 60-year-old woman died due to an elephant attack in Ramanagara district. Khandre said the family of the deceased would be compensated.

Last year in July, the Karnataka forest department directed the Hassan forest division to consult the agriculture department and submit a proposal regarding the commissioning of a multi-disciplinary study to look at possible changes in cropping patterns with an intent to bring down man-animal conflict in the district. However, the proposal is yet to be submitted.