Madikeri: The elephant-human conflict in Kodagu has seen a recent surge, though Virajpet constituency MLA AS Ponnanna actively worked towards its prevention. His dedicated efforts include securing special funding for railway barricades, elephant trenches, and solar fencing, said Congress district spokesperson Apatira Tatu Monnappa.He called for collective problem-solving with the cooperation of all political parties.Speaking to reporters at Gonikoppa, he addressed recent protests at the Ponnampet forest office regarding forest problems. While acknowledging protesters’ rights, he cautioned against misleading the public about ongoing work. He said Ponnanna secured substantial development grants over his two-year tenure, particularly emphasising his active role in addressing the elephant-human conflict.He stressed the importance of unified action, suggesting that forest and coffee plantation workers’ interests should guide solutions, independent of political affiliations. He proposed approaching the chief minister with Kodagu MLAs to present the gravity of the situation and seek resolutions.He expressed confidence in securing cooperation from Mysuru MP Yaduveer Wadiyar to address the human-elephant conflict. He proposed engaging with the MP to influence the Union govt. Ponnampet town panchayat president Annira Harish and Gonikoppa gram panchayat president Kullachanda Pramod Ganapathy were present.
