With 300 elephants outside forests, Karnataka fast-tracks rehab plan

With the Centre turning down Karnataka’s proposal to establish a soft release centre for wild elephants in Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, the Forest Department has identified a new site for the facility, and a detailed project report (DPR) is being prepared.

Disclosing this on Wednesday (May 6), Forest Minister Eshwar B. Khandre said the proposal for Bhadra was not approved as it is also a tiger reserve. “We have now identified an alternative suitable location. The State is committed to establishing a soft release centre for wild elephants as a measure to address human-elephant conflict,” he said.

Speaking to reporters after laying the foundation stone for a hanging bridge across the Cauvery river at Dubare, near Kushalnagar, in Kodagu district, the Minister said the government is working on solutions to mitigate conflict in vulnerable regions. “Kodagu is one of the affected districts, and we are hopeful of finding a long-term solution,” he added.

Mr. Khandre said around 300 wild elephants are currently outside forest areas, largely in plantations and farmlands, leading to frequent conflict. “The proposed ‘Aane Dhama’ aims at rehabilitating such elephants. However, capturing even a single elephant is a major logistical challenge, and we must ensure there is no loss of life,” he said.

He added that multiple mitigation measures are being implemented, including rail barriers, elephant-proof trenches and rapid-response teams. “Our frontline staff and elephant task force teams are constantly on the move to handle conflict situations,” he said.

The Minister also sought cooperation from people living near forest areas. “If residents follow the guidelines issued during conflict situations, untoward incidents can be prevented and the issue can be handled more effectively,” he opined.

Hanging bridge project

The proposed hanging bridge across the Cauvery at Dubare is estimated to cost ₹7.30 crore and will be jointly executed by the Forest Department and the Public Works Department.

The bridge is expected to benefit over 150 families living in Dubare haadi. The demand for the bridge came not only from local residents but also from the Forest Department and elected representatives, the Minister said. Once completed, the bridge is also expected to emerge as a tourist attraction for visitors to the Dubare elephant camp.