MADIKERI: Expectations ride high on the outcome of the tour of the Assurance Committee of the Legislative Council today in Kodagu, headed by MLC M C Nanaiah, to find a solution to the burning issue of the man-elephant conflict.Many schemes have been chalked out but no remarkable progress has been made. Kodagu has been suffering the most for a decade, compared to Chikmagalur and Hassan, where the conflict has become severe only in the recent years.The man elephant conflict in the district dates back to 1987-88 and since 1998 it has become severe. Many people have lost their lives and many injured for life. Property, cattle and other losses estimated are in crores of rupees. Getting compensation is not what the people want, they want the rogue elephants to be captured and ‘Operation Elephant’ should be a continuous process in order to lead a peaceful life.In case of private estates, EPT and solar fences are a good solution not only to keep wild elephants away but also prevent entry of stray dogs, pigs, cattle and wild animals, was the opinion voiced by many.The assurance committee appealed to the people to visit these estates which have implemented many solutions to prevent the elephant menace. There is a demand for subsidy of 75 per cent to erect a solar fence, it is said.P K Jagadeesh, agriculturist from Kambibane village which adjoins Athur Nallore Reserve Forest, adjoining Dubaare and Aanekaad forest, says the committee has to take stock of recommendations incorporated in the Rs 350 crore project which was submitted to the state government three years ago.M C Nanaiah told Express that the team will visit the elephant affected areas and get first-hand information from the department as well as from the public who will be given a chance to voice their grievances.
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