Binish Thomas (Sub-Editor)
T
alking Points Of Chief Minister Of Karnataka
1.I heartily welcome each of you at this pivotal International Conference on Human-Elephant Conflict Management.
2.The theme of World Elephant Day 2024 highlights the importance of preserving natural habitats to ensure the survival of elephants.I would add further that preserving the natural habitats for the elephants also reduces the Man-Elephant conflict that we are witnessing at an alarmingly high rate.
3.This gathering is more than a conference;it is a critical platform where we exchange ideas,explore scientific solutions, and foster international collaboration to address the pressing issue of human-elephant conflict — a challenge with significant ecological, social,and economic implications.
4.People have coexisted with elephants for thousands of years, but boundaries, development activities,the climate, and natural resources are changing,putting pressure on us and them.
5.Meanwhile,elephants increasingly find their home ranges fragmented by new villages,farms,cities, highways,or industrial growth such as mining.Barriers like fences and train tracks force them to travel longer distances and risk injury.The land where they once foraged is now home to human agriculture,and accessing watering holes increases their contact with villagers.
6.As climate change raises temperatures and changes rainfall patterns,resources become even more scarce and elephants get pushed into new areas,including communal lands.Humans face their own challenges as they must move deeper into elephant territory to collect water or firewood.The competition becomes fierce and life-threatening—for people and wildlife.
7.India proudly houses the largest population of Asiatic elephants globally,with about 30,000 elephants as per the 2017 census.Karnataka is the state with the highest elephant population with 6,395 elephants,which makes approximately 25% of the nation’s total elephant population.
8.The state is also home to the second-highest population of tigers at 563 tigers, as given by the All India Tiger Estimation 2022.The large numbers of large mammals and top predators indicate a healthy population of herbivores and other forest resources.
9.This status of rich forest wealth can be attributed to the conservation activities undertaken by the forest department over the last few decades.
10.Karnataka is privileged to have two major elephant reserves, the Mysuru Elephant Reserve and the Dandeli Elephant Reserve.Together,these reserves cover an area of over 10,000 square kilometres and play a crucial role in conserving our elephant populations and their habitats.
11.However, an increase in human-wildlife conflict has been observed in recent years due to developmental pressures and fragmentation of forest areas.
12.With Karnataka’s significant elephant population comes the inevitable challenge of human-elephant conflict. In the last 10 years,the state reported over 2,500 incidents of human-elephant conflicts,resulting in over 350 human fatalities and substantial crop losses. This issue is not unique to our state but is shared by almost all regions with substantial elephant populations.
13.Today’s discussions will focus on how we can address these conflicts effectively and sustainably.
14.Recognizing the severity of this issue,Karnataka has allocated a dedicated budget head specifically for addressing human-animal conflicts.Annually, over Rs.150 crores are directed toward mitigating human-elephant conflicts.These funds support various initiatives, including installing physical barriers such as over 300 kilometres of railway barricades,solar fencing spanning over 800 kilometres, solar tentacle fencing, and elephant-proof trenches etc.
15.The Rail barricading project was initiated in Karnataka and it is the only state that has been implementing it since 2015-16.The rail barricade project has substantially increased the income of the farmers who cultivate on the periphery of the forests.
16.The farmers of Karnataka have always been conservation oriented whether it is for forests or wildlife.They have set a very good example of co-existence with the wild animals.Despite the conflicts they have shown immense tolerance.I salute them and term them as the true Conservationist of the Wildlife.
17.Our government is committed to empowering farmers by providing resources and subsidies to erect solar fencing.These subsidised efforts have protected more than 50,000 hectares of farmland,helping to safeguard livelihoods and promote coexistence between humans and wildlife.
18.Our government envisions a future with human-elephant conflicts.We are dedicated to enhancing our efforts,whether through increased financial allocations,technological innovations, or community engagement.
19.The Karnataka Forest Department is well-prepared with both the necessary manpower and the latest technological tools to mitigate conflicts swiftly and effectively.
20.We have established 8 specialized Elephant Task Forces, each led by officers of the Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) rank,strategically positioned across all major conflict zones.
21.To tackle the increased Human-Elephant conflict, Karnataka has established nine Elephant Task Force teams.These task forces are supported by control rooms that provide prompt responses to public and farmer concerns, protect communities from elephant encounters,and facilitate the safe return of elephants to their natural habitats.
22.These task forces have responded to over 1,200 conflict incidents in the past year alone, successfully driving elephants back to safer habitats.
23.The Karnataka Aranya Samarasya Project aims to establish zero human-animal conflict zones in targeted forest areas of Karnataka.This comprehensive plan involves strategies for water security, habitat improvement, and active community participation.
24.Habitat Improvement Activities To minimise the straying of wild animals into human landscapes, the following habitat development works are carried out: Grassland development, Bamboo regeneration, and the Creation of water holes with solar water pump facilities.
25.Collaborative efforts have been instrumental with the Karnataka Forest Department, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj department, and Local communities.
26.This international conference presents an invaluable opportunity to learn from one another, explore innovative scientific solutions, and discuss sustainable approaches to fostering coexistence between humans and elephants.
27.I am confident that the distinguished delegates present here will contribute valuable insights and recommendations to pave the way for a harmonious coexistence between humans and elephants.Together, we can ensure our people and wildlife’s safety, well-being, and prosperity.