Efforts on to relocate forest dwellers opting for rehab: Khandre

Mangaluru: Forest, ecology and environment minister Eshwar Khandre Sunday said the Karnataka govt is making sincere efforts to relocate forest dwellers from areas inside forests across the state, including Kudremukh National Park, to reduce human-wildlife conflict and aid conservation.

Speaking at the inauguration of a two-day cashew mela organised by Karnataka State Cashew Development Corporation at Kadri Park, Khandre distributed cheques worth Rs 2.3 crore to five families from the Kudremukh forest region. The beneficiaries included families from Kerekatte, where two people were killed in elephant attacks a few months ago. All had voluntarily applied for rehabilitation outside forest areas.

“Around Rs 17 crore is currently available for rehabilitation, and within the next one month, all those who voluntarily decide to move out will be provided compensation,” he said.

Khandre said merely capturing elephants would not solve the rising conflict. “The govt has initiated measures to expand and conserve forest areas by relocating people living inside forests,” he said.

The minister noted that around 1,300 families once resided inside the Kudremukh region. Of these, 350 have been rehabilitated with compensation, while another 300 families have voluntarily applied for relocation. The process will be implemented in phases. The long-pending rehabilitation programme has been restarted, subject to financial feasibility, and officials have been instructed to identify willing families and expedite relocation. An additional Rs 20 crore has been allocated.

The govt provides Rs 20 lakh compensation to families of those killed in wildlife attacks. In Kerekatte, two members from affected families have been given contractual jobs in the forest department on humanitarian grounds.

Khandre said incidents of human-elephant conflict have increased. A dedicated Elephant Task Force has been sanctioned for the Dakshina Kannada district, with 25 personnel trained. Measures include the installation of railway barricades, ensuring food and water for wildlife inside forests, staff recruitment and a command centre.

Orders strict implementation of trekker safety SOP

On trekkers’ safety, he directed the strict implementation of the recently prepared SOP. Trek passports released by Kudremukh Wildlife Division, featuring destinations and QR codes, were distributed. Trekking guide handbooks and first-aid kits were handed over to nature guides. He also flagged off a Shola Safari vehicle and released a handbook for trekkers.