Karnataka - Madikeri   

Elephant attacks on the rise in Kodagu

THE HINDU

A file photo of a single-tusk elephant in the Dubare camp in Kodagu.

Madikeri: The confrontation between elephants and people is steadily increasing in Kodagu district. Elephants have killed 60 people in the Madikeri and Virajpet forest divisions in the past decade. Thirty-two deaths were reported in the Madikeri division and 28 in the Virajpet division.

Speaking to The Hindu, Deputy Conservator of Forests B.B. Mallesh said that six people were killed by elephants in the Madikeri division in 2007-08There were five deaths in 2003-04 and four in 2000-01. Three deaths each occurred in 1997-98, 1998-99 and 1999-2000, Mr. Mallesh said.

In the Virajpet division, seven deaths were reported in 2003-04 and five deaths in 2000-01. Most of the victims were living on the forest fringes. Some of the victims were plantation labourers. Compensation for such deaths was Rs. 25,000 in 1996-97. It has now been increased to Rs. 1.50 lakh.

The total amount paid by the Forest Department as compensation to the families of the victims is around Rs. 55.29 lakh.

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