Madikeri: A special meeting was held to discuss the man-wildlife conflict in the presence of Madikeri MLA Manthar Gowda at Kedakal gram panchayat. The meeting was attended by the forest officials, who informed that a comprehensive plan is being worked out by the state to resolve the conflict.Farmers and residents in the wildlife conflict-affected villages, including Kedakal, Horur, Modur, Attur-Nalluru and surrounding regions, attended the meeting and highlighted their ordeal.Former gram panchayat member Venkappa Kotyan submitted a petition on behalf of the villagers. The petition urged the forest department to carry out frequent combing operations in Anekad and Meenukoli forest areas. They demanded that the solar gate installed near ICAR-Chettalli Farm should be closed permanently.The petition demanded that an Elephant Task Force be appointed, and must be provided with the training and safety equipment. The invasion of gaurs into the village estates was also highlighted as the villagers shared that over 60 gaurs are frequenting human habitat in the region. They demanded that a special drive be conducted to drive the gaurs back to Pushpagiri forest.The Congress MLA said that the lack of coordination within the forest department, lack of timely response to people’s problems and delay in distribution of compensation related to crop damage and loss of life have led to dissatisfaction. He assured that he would take responsibility of sanctioning the necessary funds from the govt and suggested that officials should coordinate with people and take necessary action.
