Ramanagara: Forest Department plans new elephant camp to curb human-elephant conflict

The Forest Department is planning to establish a new elephant camp near Muthathi to tackle the human-elephant conflict in the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary area. If approved by the government, this would be the 10th elephant camp in the state.

Residents of Ramanagara district have been grappling with elephant issues, with eight elephants being captured and relocated since 2016. Despite installing 28.25 km of rail barricades and 41 km of solar-powered fencing, the conflict persists.

According to the 2023 elephant census, the Cauvery Wildlife Zone is home to 620 elephants, while the Bannerghatta forest area hosts 240.

Twenty years ago, an elephant camp was established at Kesarikahalla near Muthathi with two elephants. This camp was relocated later after the Wildlife Sanctuary was set up. The proposed camp at Muthathi will have access to the necessary land, water from the Cauvery River, and ample fodder.