Karnataka: Nanaiah rejects government’s reply on elephant menace

Rejecting the state government’s reply on the issue of wild elephant menace in Kodagu district, JD(S) Floor Leader in Legislative Council M C Nanaiah in Karnataka Legislative Council here on Monday urged Forest Minister C P Yogeshwar to withdraw the answer tabled in the House.

In a Calling Attention motion submitted, the JD(S) leader said that the government fund of Rs 100 to 150 crore that was provided to tackle the problems being caused by wild elephants in three taluks in Kodagu district was largely misused by the department officials.

He also questioned the bona fides of the claim that over 235 kms of solar fence were erected.

He also doubted the department’s claim that over 97.64 km-long elephant proof trench was dug. “The reply given by the officials is nothing but a blatant lie and they should be hauled up for the breach of privilege of the House,” he said. Nanaiah said that the people residing in the areas along the forest range are living in fear.  Addressing Yogeshwar, the JD(S) leader said, “I don’t want you to be at the mercy of your officials.” Nanaiah suggested that the government should erect over 410 km stretch of solar fence along the border of the forest areas and also dig out trenches on priority basis. Deputy Chairman of the House also criticised the officials for providing such replies.

Minister for Youth Services and Sports Appachu Ranjan said that teak trees in Kodagu should be removed and replaced with food bearing trees.

Yogeshwarpromised to take up the issue on a priority basis. “I will hold discussions with the people concerned, the victims and also experts and take preventive decisions,” he said.