Karnataka Forest Department issues guidelines to tackle rising elephant-human conflict
Bengaluru: In response to the increasing number of elephant-related incidents across the state, the Karnataka Forest Department has issued detailed guidelines to its staff in thirteen divisions to manage human-elephant conflict during various emergency situations.
The move comes amid questions raised by the Karnataka High Court regarding the exercise of powers under Section 11 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act. It permits the Chief Wildlife Warden to authorise the hunting of an animal deemed dangerous to human life, among other criteria. The court’s scrutiny follows a public interest litigation that challenged the alleged indiscriminate capture of elephants in the Hassan district, Deccan Herald reported on Monday.
These interactions are often driven by habitat encroachment, fragmentation or loss, scarcity of food and water in natural habitats, and attraction to cultivated crops or human settlements are the other reasons,” the guidelines state.
Emphasis is placed on the safety of both humans and elephants, with a focus on preventing the recurrence of such incidents through improved preparedness.
Elephants account for nearly two-thirds of all wildlife conflict cases in the state. Data from the department, cited by DH, shows that in the 2024–25 financial year alone, 35,580 conflict incidents were recorded, with 22,483 involving elephants.
In addition to human and animal fatalities, the department has had to contend with injuries leading to disability, crop destruction, and property damage. Of the Rs 22 crore ex gratia paid, elephants accounted for Rs 13.5 crore. Meanwhile, around 15,000 pending cases, where damages claimed amount to Rs 23 crore, are still awaiting resolution.
The guidelines also cover procedures for the rescue and relocation of problematic elephants. In the event of a wild elephant’s death, whether by natural causes, accidents, or human action, the department is expected to respond promptly and systematically.
However, implementation may face challenges on the ground. An official from the elephant conflict division termed the guidelines "ambitious," highlighting few issues.
“Mobilisation of resources is a big challenge. Rushing elephant task forces from one division to another when 60% sanctioned staff positions are vacant is not a solution. The outsourced staff who earn a pittance are exposing themselves to danger. These basic matters need to be addressed,” DH quoted him as saying.
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Power tariffs under BESCOM to rise from May 1
Bengaluru (PTI): Power bills for consumers under the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (BESCOM) will go up from May 1, following an order issued by the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) on Friday.
The hike comes after KERC allowed the BESCOM to recover a revenue deficit of Rs 2,068 crore incurred in 2024-25, from the consumers.
As a result, for every unit of electricity consumed in 2024-25, the customers will be charged an additional 56 paise, it said.
"BESCOM shall calculate, for each of the active consumers of FY2024-25 the amount to be recovered based on their actual energy consumption during FY2024-25. Such amount shall be recovered during FY 2026-27 in equal monthly instalments, to be called as 'FY25 True up Charges', commencing from the first meter reading date falling on or after 1 May 2026 and concluding with the reading date ending on 30 April 2027," the order said.
"It is further ordered that BESCOM shall maintain a separate head of account, allocated for the purpose, to record the adjustment of the said amount to ensure full recovery of the deficit," it added.
Similarly Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation Limited (CESC) has also recorded a revenue deficit of Rs 121.71 crore and can collect an additional 15 paisa per unit for consumption in 2024-25, official sources said.
