Date:04/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/04/stories/2008120453120300.htm

Karnataka

Double-layer protection favoured for Bandipur National Park

Special Correspondent

PAC supports a proposal to increase compensation paid to farmers for crop loss

— PHOTO: M.A. SRIAM

On an inspection: Public Accounts Committee members led by the former Deputy Chief Minister Siddaramaiah at the Kabini backwaters in Karapura on Wednesday.

KARAPURA (H.D.KOTE): A double-layer protection comprising Elephant Proof Trench (EPT) and solar powered fence around the Bandipur National Park has been mooted to mitigate man-animal conflict in the region.

This was mooted by members of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) which reviewed the conservation, protection and promotional measures in the Bandipur and Nagarahole National parks. The PAC will also second the Forest Department’s proposal to enhance compensation paid to farmers for crop loss caused by wild animals. “They should get the actual loss suffered and not a mere token amount which is a pittance,” according to the PAC.

The members visited the villages around the two tiger reserves, held extensive meetings with the affected people and said farmers were affected in recent years while there was an increase in the number of elephants being killed in the escalating conflict.

The PAC would also suggest studying the feasibility of installing split rail fence around the national park to reduce the conflict which has claimed scores of elephants in recent months.

In all, 229 km of EPT has to be dug up around Bandipur of which the Forest Department has completed 183.5 km. But it has not been maintained as a result of which elephants easily cross over from the forests to farmland resulting in the conflict. “We will urge the Government to sanction funds so that a permanent measure could be in place to reduce the conflict,” said committee Chairman Siddaramaiah.

The PAC members, citing local people, disputed the reports that the four elephants found dead at Kappusogge near Nanjangud, were poisoned. “We spoke to the farmers and they said they neither indulge in such acts nor were they aware of cyanide,” according to Mr. Siddaramaiah. What was equally significant was that the PAC members were oblivious of elephant deaths by electrocution and said they had not been informed of such incidents. The PAC is expected to give its reports within two months with a recommendation to the Finance Department to release adequate funds to the Forest Department for maintenance of EPT and solar powered fence.