Help of Karnataka staff sought for taming of wild elephants in

Admitting that wild elephants were causing damage to crops and human life in Kolhapur district in Maharashtra, the state government today said that assistance of trained peoplefrom Karnataka has been sought to tame and train such tuskers.

Forest Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar made the announcement in the state Legislative Assembly during a debate on the issue raised through calling attention notice moved by NCP member Sandhya Kupekar and others.

Mungantiwar said the authorities in Karnataka have conveyed that they would be able to spare their trained staff only after May-June.

"They have said they are busy tackling wild elephants in their areas now and hence we would have to wait till then," the minister said.

NCP MLA Jayant Patil suggested that the government sends its forest personnel to Karnataka and get training in handling of wild elephants.

The minister said the suggestion would be considered.

Mungantiwar also announced setting up of a committee comprising Kupekar, Shiv Sena's Prakash Abitkar and the Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) to suggest recommendations to tackle the menace of wild elephants and bisons.

"We expect the committee to give their recommendations in a month's time," he said.

During the discussion, Ambitkar suggested setting up of a task force to deal with the menace of wild elephants.

He pointed out that Radhanagari, Bhudargad, Ajara talukas are near the forest areas and hence loss of life and crops due to wild elephants is more.

Mungantiwar said till March 8 (2018), the government received 2,025 claims of crop loss due to wild bisons and 393 cases of crop loss due to wild elephants.

The farmers concerned have been given a compensation of Rs 126.47 lakh so far, he said adding, "In the last ten years, 20 persons died in the attacks by wild elephants and compensation of Rs 56.5 lakh has been given to their kin.