Bengaluru: In response to escalating human-elephant conflicts in Belur taluk of Hassan district, forest minister Eshwar B Khandre on Saturday ordered the capture of three aggressive elephants terrorizing locals.
Following the death of a woman in an elephant attack near Arehalli on Friday – fourth such fatality in the region since Jan – Khandre held an emergency meeting and directed the immediate establishment of an Elephant Task Force (ETF) office in the region. A deputy conservator of forests-rank officer will oversee the operations.
The minister also instructed officials to procure two thermal camera-equipped drones for the Hassan range to monitor elephant movements round-the-clock and alert residents promptly. Additional emergency response teams, two more jeeps, and enhanced staff deployment were also mandated.
Khandre ordered awareness campaigns for plantation workers and residents, educating them on elephant behaviour, safety measures, and response protocols. “Plantation owners must collaborate in organizing village-level public meetings to educate communities,” he added.
Ensuring better support for ETF personnel, he stressed timely salaries, food allowances, uniforms, shoes, jackets and insurance. Walkie-talkies will be provided in areas with poor mobile connectivity to enhance communication.