Wild jumbos destroy crops in Belur

The wild elephant menace has continued in villages of Hebbal, Jogihalli and other surrounding villages from last few months, with no steps being taken to check it.

Though the villagers are affected to a large extent in the taluk, there have been hardly any efforts made to drive away these animals to other area.

Though some villagers had chased them out few days ago, the jumbos have returned, adding to the worries of people in the region. The jumbos have caused huge damage to farmers by destroying banana, maize, sugarcane, paddy and other crops.

However, the wild elephant menace which was rampant in Malnad region all these days. Spotting of elephants in dry land areas too, has sent farmers into a tizzy.

On receipt of information, Deputy Conservator of  Forest (Hassan and Tumkur division) Nagaraj visited the affected villages and promised for release of compensation .

He told that three elephants had strayed out of Bannerghatta Forest region few months back, causing damage to life and property of the people of Arsikere, Belur, Kunigal, Magadi taluks and Tumkur district. Out of these three elephants, one rogue elephant identified in Arsikere taluk and other two were spotted near Hebbal village.

The Government has already given permission to catch the rogue elephant that claimed a life and destroyed crops in Arsikere taluk. However, the other two elephants will be driven into Bannerughatta Forest. Range Forest Officer Chengappa and others were present.