Hassan: The forest department is set to launch a major operation in the Malnad region of Hassan district to provide relief to residents affected by the elephant menace.As part of the operation, officials plan to capture and relocate a rogue tusker and fit radio collars on two lone male elephants frequently spotted in coffee plantations. The department will also replace the radio collar of a female elephant, as the battery of the existing device is running low.At present, five female elephants in the region have been fitted with radio collars to help monitor their movements. Officials said the rogue tusker has been causing panic by repeatedly raiding areas in the Belur, Sakleshpur, Alur and Yasalur forest ranges. The decision has therefore been taken to capture and translocate the animal.The principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife) and chief wildlife warden have granted permission to radio-collar two other lone male elephants that have separated from their herds and are residing in coffee estates.The special operation will continue until Aug 12 in the Belur, Sakleshpur, Alur and Yasalur forest ranges. Trained elephants are expected to arrive in Hassan on Sunday, when the operation will commence, deputy conservator of forests Saurabh Kumar said.The DCF urged farmers, coffee growers and residents in sensitive areas to cooperate with forest personnel during the operation.“For safety reasons, people should avoid unnecessary movement near forest areas and coffee estates,” he said. Officials said the operation is expected to provide temporary relief to residents and farmers in the Malnad region, who have been facing frequent incidents of elephant intrusion and crop damage.
