Chikkamagaluru: For GG Sinchana, a class X student of Bethany High School, watching specially trained forest dogs in action was a novel experience. “I had seen police dogs and performances in movies, but today I experienced it personally. The skills of identification, obedience and searching were just amazing. I have a labrador at home and I wish even my dog knew such tricks,” she said.Sinchana was among hundreds of students who witnessed the forest dog show organised by the Chikkamagaluru forest department at Bethany High School as part of World Elephant Day celebrations.The foresters explained how dogs were being used in crime detection in the forest department. The dogs performed a variety of skills, including vehicle search, obedience, human search and wild articles search.The event was not limited to canine skills. The department hosted debates, drawing competitions and awareness sessions to sensitise students about elephants, forests and wildlife. For many students, the programme also cleared basic doubts about living near elephant habitats.BH Amulya, class VIII, said she was always curious about elephants. “I was aware of the environment and forest, but now I understood that nature has several wonders. I am interested to learn the basics,” she said.Kaneez Fathima shared a personal experience from Arehalli near Sakleshpur. “I had once confronted a wild elephant while travelling. Out of fear, I tried to alight from the vehicle. Today officials told us to maintain at least 100 meters distance. If we don’t disturb them, they won’t trouble us,” she said.GP Poorvi, also class VIII, said she had no idea about elephant behavior earlier. “I was told Karnataka houses the highest number of elephants in India. It is a matter of pride for our state,” she added.Mudigere MLA Nayana Motamma, who participated in the event, urged students to spread the message to their parents. “Elephants and wildlife are equally important. Like humans, wild animals too have the right to live. We must ensure sustainable development,” she said.Conservator of forests (Chikkamagaluru Circle) Yashpal Kshirsagar stressed coexistence. Unless we don’t trouble elephants, they don’t trouble us. There would be no conflict if animals are not disturbed, he said.
