Karnataka Deploys Squads And Tech To Prevent Human-Wildlife Conflicts

Belagavi: Karnataka has 6,395 elephants and 563 tigers, and the government has stepped up measures to curb human-wildlife conflict, deploying Rapid Response Teams, monitoring movements with drones and cameras, and reinforcing forest fringes with barricades, Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre told the Legislative Council on Tuesday.

Replying to a question by MLC Dr Timmayya, the Minister said the government has set up elephant and tiger squads and is developing water sources and habitats within forest areas to ensure the welfare of wildlife. Advanced technologies are being used for rapid operations, and a five-year strategic plan to reduce human-wildlife conflict is currently under review.

Speaking about measures to prevent human-wildlife encounters, Khandre said personnel from anti-poaching camps in conflict-prone areas are temporarily deployed along forest fringes, and will continue patrolling for the next three months. Elephants and tigers that pose a threat to human life are specifically identified and, if needed, captured.

To strengthen response mechanisms, the government has deployed Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) equipped with drones and other technology on a rotational basis. Existing personnel from elephant squads, RRT units, and the Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF) have been assigned to these teams for immediate action.

Real-time surveillance systems, including GSM cameras with Garuda software, have been installed along conflict-prone forest peripheries, and camera traps have been placed in tiger-protected areas to monitor animal movements.

To prevent elephants from straying outside forest areas, the government has constructed solar-powered fencing, elephant-proof trenches, and railway sleeper barricades, covering a total of 428 km in high-conflict zones.