In a deeply concerning revelation, seven magnificent wild elephants have tragically perished across Karnataka’s Belagavi and Uttara Kannada districts over the last ten years, according to dedicated wildlife enthusiasts. This alarming trend shows no signs of slowing, with four fatalities occurring between 2015 and 2024, and a startling three deaths recorded in 2025 alone. The reasons behind these heartbreaking losses are multifaceted, pointing to a combination of systemic neglect by authorities, insufficient awareness among local farmers, and a critical delay in implementing effective, long-term solutions to the ongoing human-animal conflict.
Giridhar Kulkarni, a prominent wildlife conservationist, voiced his dismay, stating that despite the Forest Department’s initiatives to prevent such conflicts and protect wild animals, including elephants, the established protocols are frequently not being followed or enforced with the necessary rigor.
Mr. Kulkarni highlighted several tragic incidents contributing to this grim tally:
- In 2015, an elephant was electrocuted near Nersa in Khanapur taluk, and an elephant calf met a tragic end after being hit by a speeding train near Nagargali.
- Another elephant was fatally struck by a train near Golihalli in 2017.
- More recently, March 2024 saw an elephant electrocuted near Yellapur in Uttara Kannada district, followed by another electrocution incident near Ambikanagar, located within the sensitive Kali Tiger Reserve, also in Uttara Kannada district.
Responding to these distressing figures, Forest Minister Ishwar Khandre confirmed that the matter has come to his attention, and he has directed senior officials to conduct a thorough inquiry and submit a comprehensive report. The Minister underscored the urgency of the situation, stating, ‘We have held detailed discussions with Ministers and senior officers about finding a sustainable solution to the problem of man-animal conflict. Our commitment is to not only sensitize officers about preventing such incidents in the future but also to actively collaborate with farmers, forest-dwelling communities, and residents of forest-bordering villages. Together, we aim to significantly reduce the tragic deaths of both animals and humans in these conflicts.’ This concerted effort is vital for ensuring the survival of these iconic creatures and fostering a more harmonious coexistence.