Sat Mar 15 08:36:54 UTC 2025: ## Karnataka Minister Orders Immediate Capture of Problem Elephants After Latest Attack
**Shivamogga, March 15, 2025** – Following the death of a woman in an elephant attack in Hassan district on March 14th, Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre has ordered the immediate capture of three elephants causing trouble in the region. The order came after an emergency meeting with senior forest officials.
Four deaths have occurred in the district due to elephant attacks in the last two months, prompting protests from residents demanding the capture and relocation of elephants roaming in several taluks. Minister Khandre, who recently visited the affected area, has outlined a multi-pronged approach to mitigate the human-wildlife conflict.
The plan includes establishing an Elephant Task Force office in Hassan, headed by a Deputy Conservator of Forests. Two drones equipped with thermal cameras will be procured to monitor elephant movements, and rapid response teams will receive two additional vehicles and walkie-talkies to improve communication. The Minister also stressed the importance of ensuring temporary staff working with the rapid response teams receive their salaries, allowances, and benefits.
Furthermore, the Minister proposed training for plantation workers to help prevent future conflicts and plans to conduct village-level awareness programs. The meeting, attended by several senior officials, also discussed obtaining permission to radio-collar four problematic elephants. The situation remains tense, with residents observing a bandh in Arehalli and demanding a permanent solution to the ongoing human-elephant conflict.
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