Bengaluru: Forest Minister Aravind Limbavali has ruled out extension of forest for restoration of elephant corridor in the next one or two years owing to current economic crisis. He was speaking after a meeting of senior Forest officers here recently on the subject of man-animal crisis across the State.

Aravind said in the current situation, the Department cannot think of extending the forest cover to restore or re-establish the elephant corridor at least for the next one or two years. It can be thought after the State financial position improves. Forest has developed due to efforts of officials. Elected representatives and general public have aired their views. Both would be considered at the time of finding a permanent solution to this problem, he said.

The Minister said efforts were on to check the elephant menace and Union Government would be requested to increase the grants and supply used Railway track at reasonable price for rail fencing. The habitat of elephant and other wild animals has changed due to implementation of development projects and mining, he said and added that scientific approach would be found out to check man-animal conflict in several districts. 

“A meeting of MLAs affected by this problem has been convened. The outcome of meeting would be submitted in the form of memorandum to the Union Government,” he added.

Centre’s nod needed

He said that Union Government’s permission was required for some issues. First, the Department’s priority was to complete the construction of protection wall, and then relocate the elephants. Plans are afoot to nab marauding jumbos and shift them to camps. 

Karnataka was paying the highest compensation in the country in case of death of person in wild elephant attack. In such case, Rs. 7.5 lakh relief was given, he added.