Committee report yet to be implemented

MYSORE: A report by a special committee constituted to suggest measures to check the menace of wild animals, particularly elephants, is gathering dust even after a year.

After MP A H Vishwanath took an initiative, the committee was formed with wildlife activists, officials and farmer leaders to suggest measures to check the elephant menace in Mysore, Kodagu, Hassan and Chikmaglur.

The committee headed by CCF Ajay Mishra suggested the government to concentrate on maintenance of elephant proof trenches (EPTs) and solar fences erected around national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and reserved forests.

The committee, which visited various forest areas, made various recommendations. The report stated the condition of the already dug EPTs and solar fences around national parks and sanctuaries. "Lack of maintenance has almost left EPTs buried. Solar fences are rendered dysfunctional due to lack of maintenance of batteries and fence wires," the report stated, adding that these spots pave way for elephants to invade fields and farms causing heavy losses to farmers. Vishwanath said forest minister Vijayshankar must take the initiation to implement the report.