Bengaluru, 13 Sept

Experts have recommended setting up an Elephant Soft Release Centre to reduce rising elephant-human conflicts. Forest, Ecology, and Environment Minister Eshwar B Khandre said the project would move forward only after taking local communities into confidence.

Chairing a video conference on conflict-mitigation measures and railway barricade projects, Khandre said experts found Tanigebailu more suitable than Muthodi in Chikkamagaluru.

A meeting with villagers will be held to discuss the plan. He stressed the need for detailed studies on hotspots, attack timings, and causes. “Timely alerts must be given to villagers,” he said, adding the center could significantly cut conflicts. Next week, he will meet the Union Environment Minister in Delhi to seek CAMPA funding.

Khandre flagged delays in creating a command centre to track elephant and wildlife movement, issue warnings, and monitor complaints. He urged immediate action to ensure quick responses.

On invasive weeds, he directed large-scale eradication of Senna and Lantana, learning from Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

Amid concerns over outsourced staff, he sought a report on pending salaries, EPF deposits, and delays. “Wildlife conservation must go hand in hand with protecting human lives and crops,” he said.