Chikkamagaluru: Residents of the Malnad region, who have long enjoyed a peaceful life amid nature, are now being haunted by the increasing menace of wild animals.For septuagenarian KR Chandrashekar and his wife Anasuyamma of Kasana village in Sankse, evenings are filled with fear. It is not the darkness they dread, but the sight of tigers, wild elephants and leopards prowling near their home.For the past week, a wild elephant has been raiding Chandrashekar’s areca plantation adjacent to his house. Nearly 50 fully grown areca trees, a solar fence and several coconut trees have been damaged. The elephant has also destroyed crops belonging to Babu, Nayana and several other villagers. The tusker has spread fear among residents of Gundavani, Chornuru, Kasana, Sankse, Nerale and nearby villages.
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Meanwhile, tigers and leopards have been preying on cattle and dogs in the area. Fear of wild animal attacks has made villagers reluctant to venture out after sunset.The movement of elephants on the streets of Sankse, Gundavani and other areas under Kanur gram panchayat has become common. Despite repeated attempts by forest officials to drive the tusker away, it continues to return. A year ago, a wild elephant that had terrorised the area was rescued and relocated. However, another elephant has now appeared and is wreaking havoc on crops.“It has become very difficult to live peacefully. We think twice before stepping out of our homes. I can hear elephants uprooting areca plants, but I am too afraid to go outside,” Chandrashekar said.Cattle killed, students miss classesThe situation is no different in Gundavani, Satvani, Vagade and surrounding villages, which together have nearly 100 households. Most residents own small agricultural holdings and work as daily wage labourers.With no public transport available, students and labourers have to walk several kilometres to reach the nearest bus stop. The frequent presence of elephants has made commuting risky, forcing many students to miss classes.Most families rear cattle for milk and manure. However, more than 15 cattle have been killed in tiger and leopard attacks in recent months. Several others have gone missing from cattle sheds in Satvani and neighbouring villages over the past month.Forest department monitoring with dronesA forest department official said animal movement is being monitored using thermal drones .“We are taking all necessary measures. Both human life and wildlife are important to us,” the official said. However, villagers are demanding permanent solutions such as solar fencing, strengthened patrolling and other preventive measures to protect lives and property from further damage.
