Elephant task force in Dakshina Kannada to be set up soon

Forest Minister Announces Elephant Task Force in Dakshina Kannada

Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre announced plans to set up an elephant task force in Dakshina Kannada. He made this statement on Friday while speaking to reporters in Mangaluru. The Forest Department is using technology to track wild elephants that enter human areas and guide them back to the forest.

Details of the Task Force

The task force will be led by the Dakshina Kannada Deputy Conservator of Forests. It will include an Assistant Conservator of Forests, a Range Forest Officer, a veterinarian, four Deputy RFOs, eight forest guards, and 32 outsourced staff. Sixteen personnel will be stationed in Gundya to handle complaints from Kukke Subrahmanya and nearby areas. The other sixteen will be based in Sullia to address issues in Sullia, Puttur, and surrounding areas.

Status of the Task Force

A senior official from the Forest Department stated that the file for the task force is pending with the Finance Department. The Finance Department raised a query, which has been answered. Approval is needed for the task force to become operational.

New Command and Control Centre

On Friday, Minister Khandre also inaugurated the Divisional Command and Control Centre at the DCF’s office. This centre is one of 11 command centres set up across the State. These centres are linked to the Integrated Command and Control Centre in Bengaluru, which will handle complaints related to man-animal conflict.

Public Contact Information

The public can contact the department by calling 1926 for any grievances or man-animal conflict situations. Calls will be directed to the relevant forest range for a quick response from department personnel.

Recent Actions by the Department

At the Divisional Control Centre in Mangaluru, the Minister learned about actions taken to drive wild elephants back to the forest. This occurred in areas such as Mandekolu, Jalsur, and Arantodu between December 29 and January 6. The department also addressed complaints of crop loss due to wild elephants attacking farmland owned by Lakshman Gowda from Koltige village on January 7.

Additional Activities

Mr. Khandre laid the foundation stone for residential quarters for the Dakshina Kannada Deputy Conservator of Forest in the city. He later visited Pilikula and inaugurated the three-day 12th Karnataka Bird Festival.