Govt plans elephant soft release centre

Hassan: Forest minister Eshwar B Khandre on Tuesday said the govt has planned to set up an elephant soft release centre over 2,000 hectares to reduce human-elephant conflict.

Speaking to reporters at the Gendekatte Forest Guest House, he said hundreds of elephants are straying outside the forests in Hassan, Kodagu and Chikkamagaluru districts. The elephant soft release centre is being set up to prevent crop damage and loss of human lives caused by elephants, he said. The principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife) has submitted a report to the govt in this regard, and the tender will be floated soon, he said.

When asked about setting up a zoo in Hassan, the minister said permission from the Centre is required to establish a new zoo, and funds and maintenance are also a problem. As of now, there is no such plan, he said. The state already has Mysuru and Bannerghatta zoos of national and international standard, along with several other zoos. Revenue from Mysuru and Bannerghatta zoos is being used to cover expenses of other zoos. Hence, there is no proposal before the govt to set up a new zoo, he clarified.

The govt has taken steps to reclaim valuable land belonging to the forest department. He said 100 acres of forest land in Madenuru, near Hassan city, will be reclaimed. Chief conservator of forests (Hassan Circle) V Yedukondalu and deputy conservator of forests Saurabh were present.