Human–Elephant Conflict; MP Urges Visit by Expert Team

Human–Elephant Conflict in Hassan District: MP Shreyas M. Patel Urges Union Minister to Send Expert Team Immediately

News Bureau, Delhi

New Delhi: Taking serious note of the intensifying human–elephant conflict in Hassan district, Hassan Lok Sabha MP Shreyas M. Patel has once again urged Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shri Bhupender Yadav to take immediate action in coordination with the Central and State Governments.

More than 90 elephants are currently moving outside forest areas in Hassan district, particularly in coffee plantations and agricultural areas. So far, more than 80 human lives have been lost in elephant attacks. In addition, incidents involving crop loss, property damage and injuries to local residents continue to occur.

MP Shreyas M. Patel had earlier brought this serious issue to the attention of the Union Minister. The Minister had considered his request and directed the DGF (Wildlife) to take necessary action. Subsequently, an assurance was given that an expert team would be sent to Hassan district to assess the situation on the ground.

However, considering the continuing threat to human lives, the MP has insisted that the promised visit by the expert team should be organised immediately without any further delay.

The visiting team should include senior Forest Department officials, experienced elephant experts, wildlife specialists and scientists. The MP has urged the team to visit the affected areas of Hassan, interact directly with farmers and local residents, and formulate a permanent and scientific solution to the human–elephant conflict.

“The people of Hassan have already lost many precious lives. Before further loss of life occurs, the Central and State Governments must work together and take urgent action. An assurance has already been received from the DGF (Wildlife) regarding the visit of an expert team. What is needed now is swift and coordinated action on the ground,” said MP Shreyas M. Patel.

He has urged the Union Minister to ensure that the Central Government and the Government of Karnataka work jointly to protect the lives and livelihoods of the people of Hassan district and that the visit of the expert team is arranged at the earliest.