Mysuru: Mysuru-Kodagu MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar has urged the Union Government to support the development of an urban forest at Thippayyanakere in Mysuru and take stronger measures to address the growing human-elephant conflict in Kodagu. 

During a meeting with Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav in New Delhi recently, the MP submitted two separate petitions highlighting the issues. 

Seeking inclusion of Thippayyana- kere, located near Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Nagar on Mysuru’s Outer Ring Road, under the Centre’s Nagar Van (Urban Forest) scheme, Yaduveer said the lake has emerged as an important ecological and recreational asset for the city. 

He noted that the area serves as a green lung for residents while supporting a variety of bird species and other wildlife.  

Given its biodiversity and environmental significance, he said, Thippayyanakere would be an ideal site for development under the Urban Forest initiative and sought technical and financial assistance from the Ministry. 

The MP said the Nagar Van scheme aims to create forests within urban areas to improve ecological balance, enhance biodiversity and promote environmental awareness.  

Picture shows the choked Thippayyanakere in Mysuru. 

Bringing the project to Mysuru would increase the city’s green cover, support conservation efforts, provide educational opportunities for students and contribute to public health, he added. 

Human-elephant conflict in Kodagu 

Yaduveer also drew the Minister’s attention to the increasing incidents of human-elephant conflict in Kodagu. He said elephants are frequently entering farmlands and residential areas, leading to crop losses, property damage and, in some   cases, injuries and deaths. 

Farmers, plantation workers and residents living along forest fringes are bearing the brunt of the problem, he said, urging the Centre to support a comprehensive long-term mitigation strategy. 

The MP proposed measures including strengthening elephant-proof barriers, expanding solar fencing, scientific monitoring of elephant movements, installation of early-warning systems, habitat improvement, deployment of rapid-response teams and adequate compensation for                                      affected families. 

Bhupender Yadav assured Yaduveer that the Ministry would examine the proposals and hold discussions with the authorities concerned to facilitate appropriate action.