Karnataka’s Energy Minister, K.J. George, who also oversees the Chikkamagaluru district, has stated that the state government is actively considering the relocation of 17 families. These families urgently require rehabilitation due to the persistent and dangerous movement of wild animals in their residential areas. Minister George affirmed his intention to discuss this critical matter with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for a swift resolution.
The minister’s statement came after his visit on Saturday to the grieving families of two individuals who tragically lost their lives in an elephant attack. This devastating incident occurred on Friday, October 31, in Keregadde, Sringeri taluk.
Addressing the press, George elaborated on the broader challenge of relocating families from the Kudremukh National Park, an initiative estimated to require a substantial ₹300 crore. He noted, “The State government has submitted a proposal to the Centre seeking these funds. However, the immediate priority is to move the 17 families currently residing in this frequently visited wild animal zone. The government will make a decisive move on this issue shortly.”
The recent elephant attack, which claimed the lives of Umesh Gowda and Harish Shetty, both residents of Keregadde village, triggered significant public outcry. Local residents responded by staging protests and disrupting traffic on the vital road connecting Sringeri and Karkala, underscoring the community’s desperate call for immediate action.