104 people killed by elephants in Karnataka in 3 years (India)

A majority of the deaths have reportedly occurred when elephants stray away from the forests and into areas close to human habitations in search of water and food. But what has set the alarm bells ringing is the minister’s statement about an increase in crop loss in the last two years caused by the invading elephants. The government has paid Rs 4.85 crore as compensation to farmers who have suffered crop losses caused by elephants.

Elephant attacks are being reported in areas reserved for forests near Bannerghatta, Bengaluru Rural, Bengaluru Urban, Ramanagara, Mysuru, Chamarajanagar, Madikeri, Hassan, Chikkamagaluru and Shivamogga.

Rai stated that the government had taken several measures to contain straying of elephants from the forests. He said trenches and solar fences have been installed around the forests, rapid response teams have been formed to chase elephants back to the forests and people living near forest areas have been briefed on how to react on spotting elephants in their neighbourhood.