Foresters take steps to prevent human-elephant conflicts in Hassan Ranjith Kandya, Times of India March 31, 2025 The officials, led by conservator of forests V Yedukondalu and deputy conservator of forests Saurabh Kumar, deployed vehicles, launched WhatsApp groups, and implemented other measures to prevent human-elephant conflicts in Hassan district. Following the capture and relocation of three elephants causing trouble and the radio-collaring of two, the forest department officials have set up an alert system to ensure the safety of the villagers. More than eight vehicles and nearly 150 staff, including field staff, are working to ensure the safety of both humans and elephants. Newly installed radio collars are an additional boon to locate the elephants' movements. "We can access their location without any difficulty," said Yedukondalu. Based on the location, the staff members will keep track and also alert the villagers. Apart from this, a vehicle will be designated to monitor the elephant. If the animal moves close to human habitat, the ETF staff will be alerted, and they will be stationed at a particular habitat as a precaution, he said. Although there are mobile network issues in many parts of the district, the personnel of the Elephant Task Force would alert the villagers and the owners of the estates through loudspeakers. The staff would reach the area, announcing the movement of the elephants. However, the department will make efforts to strengthen networks, he said. "We alert either the owner or any person concerned with estates about the movement of elephants. They would spread the message to their staff or labourers to be safer," the officer said. However, the display boards have been functional, and there were issues with two display boards, but they are working now. Rajendra, a planter, said the forest department has come up with a good move, and the authorities must make sincere efforts to spread the message of the elephants' movement. "In addition, the staff must attend to complaints without any delay. Although villagers alert about the presence of the elephants, the foresters need a minimum of 45 minutes to reach the spot, and this should be addressed," he said. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mysuru/foresters-take-steps-to-prevent-human-elephant-conflicts-in-hassan/articleshow/119814452.cms