Sirsi
To address the growing issue of wild elephants straying from their designated corridors, the Forest Department has introduced drone surveillance. This move comes in response to the severe damage caused by elephants on crops like areca, banana, maize, and rice. Farmers, already suffering from the effects of heavy rains and crop diseases, now face further losses as elephants trample crops and destroy trees, ruining months of hard work in moments.
Frustrated farmers have urged the Forest Department to act swiftly and relocate the elephants, demanding compensation for their crop losses. In response, drones are being deployed to monitor the movement of elephants that stray from their herds, especially as they venture into farmlands. Elephants from areas like Haliyal, Gunjavati, Yellapur, and Banavasi traditionally migrate to Sorab forest. However, sudden disturbances, like firecrackers set off by farmers, can cause these elephants to break away from their groups, causing damage to crops and threatening local communities.
Tracking elephants, particularly at night, has been a challenge. The introduction of drone surveillance will allow continuous monitoring, both day and night, to guide the elephants back to their natural paths. The Forest Department remains committed to resolving the issue, with Deputy Conservator of Forests GR Ajjayya assuring that the elephants will soon be redirected safely.
