Chikkamagaluru: With human-animal conflict intensifying in NR Pura taluk, state govt has approved the construction of a railway barricade to prevent elephants from straying out of the forest areas.A grant of Rs 12.7 crore was released to build a 7.7km railway barricade covering NR Pura, Chikka Agrahara, and Balehonnur forest ranges under the Koppa forest division. Officials said the measure aimed to mitigate crop damage and ensure the safety of residents in affected villages.The chief conservator of forests (Chikkamagaluru circle) submitted a proposal to the govt, highlighting the severe elephant problem in these areas. Elephants from Bhadra Tiger Reserve crossed into the NR Pura and Chikkagrahara forest ranges, affecting the Bhadra backwaters and river areas, and started settling in villages. Similarly, elephants from Mudigere and Aldur forest ranges entered the Balehonnur area, destroying crops grown by farmers.According to Sringeri MLA TD Rajegowda, it was estimated that there were about 30 to 40 elephants in the forest and coffee plantations in these areas. 4 people died due to these disturbances in the recent past. Consequently, a proposal was submitted to the govt to release funds for installing railway barricades to mitigate the elephant threat. The govt approved this proposal on Tuesday, the MLA added.According to the approval, administrative sanction was granted for work worth Rs 4.3 crore to be carried out over a stretch of 2.5km from Kollehalli to Karkuta in Chikkagrahara range. Additionally, Rs 4.7 crore was allocated for a 2.8km stretch from Sarya to Karkuta, and Rs 3.7 crore for a 2.3km stretch from Bellingi to Kollehalli, totalling Rs 12.7 crore for a combined stretch of 7.7km, as per MLA.Locals welcomed the move and urged the govt to ensure that the work was completed within the stipulated time. In addition, the forest department must identify other locations where elephants enter human habitats, and block these points as well. Driving the elephants deep inside the forest area would avoid the conflict, said Chandru of NR Pura.
