Forest department plans to use steel ropes to restrict elephant movement

BENGALURU: Elephants have been entering human habitations and attacking people while instances of crops being damaged in villages is increasing. Now, the Forest Department is coming up with a new plan to prevent elephant movement in villages on the fringes of forests.

The Forest Department has planned to adopt the Tamil Nadu model to control elephants. Officers have been given a 10-day deadline to submit a report on the Tamil Nadu model.

Currently, railway barricades are being used to contain elephant movement in the state, which costs around Rs 1.50 crore per km. On the other hand, the Tamil Nadu model uses steel rope barriers, which cost around Rs 45 lakh per km.

This model is being considered for implementation and it could be a solution to the elephant menace. However, the department’s responsibility is also to ensure the safety of animals and the protection of forests.