Mangaluru (Karnataka), February 25 Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said on Wednesday that the state government would take large-scale measures, including erecting barriers along forest fringes, to address the increasing incidents of man-animal conflict involving elephants, tigers, and leopards.
Speaking to reporters about recent elephant attacks in Karnataka, the chief minister said that the increasing wildlife populations were causing more animals to stray into human settlements.
"The number of elephants, tigers, and leopards has increased in Karnataka. They are coming out, leading to human-animal conflict. So, this time, we are planning to put up extensive barriers," the CM said.
When asked whether a task force would be constituted to deal with the situation, he said that multiple measures were being considered.
"A task force alone won't stop it. Barriers alone won't stop it. We will form a task force, but wherever forests border human habitation, we will put up extensive barriers," Siddaramaiah said.
The chief minister acknowledged concerns over elephants and tigers frequently entering villages and towns.
"Elephants and tigers are already coming into human settlements," he said, adding that the government would step up preventive measures along vulnerable forest boundaries.
On questions about opposition from environmentalists to certain development works in forest regions, Siddaramaiah said that the government would hold consultations.
"We will discuss with environmentalists and address whatever concerns they have," he said.
The chief minister maintained that the state was examining both immediate containment measures and long-term solutions to reduce human-wildlife conflict across affected districts.