Chikkamagaluru (Mudigere): The wild elephant menace has reached extreme levels in the Malenadu region of Chikkamagaluru, the land of coffee. Over 70 wild elephants are camping across Mudigere taluk, robbing people of their peace of mind. The jumbo herds are frequently venturing into coffee estates and paddy fields, causing extensive damage.

Rampage by Bhima and Beetamma Herds

The wild elephant groups named Beetamma and Bhima have been creating havoc in several villages, including Kaskebailu and G. Hosahalli in Mudigere. Divided into multiple groups within the same taluk, the elephants have trampled coffee plants and destroyed areca nut and paddy crops. Farmers, who have already incurred losses worth lakhs of rupees, are now terrified even to step out for farming.

Normal Life Paralysed: Students Fear Attending Exams

Daily life for the villagers has been completely disrupted due to the fear of wild elephants.

Students' Anxiety: With the exam season ongoing, students are forced to travel to schools, colleges, and examination centers with their lives in their hands.

Laborers' Plight: Workers are hesitating to go to coffee estates for work due to the fear of elephant encounters. This has pushed the families dependent on daily wages into deep distress.

Continued String of Casualties

This region has already witnessed several deaths and many serious injuries due to wild elephant attacks. The presence of elephants on the roads during early mornings and evenings has doubled the fear among commuters.

Growing Anger Despite Operations

Forest Department officials and the Elephant Task Force (ETF) are conducting continuous operations to drive the elephants back into the forest. However, as the elephants keep returning, villagers feel these temporary measures are futile. "We don't just want operations; we need a permanent solution to the elephant menace," urged the residents of Kaskebailu and G. Hosahalli, demanding government intervention.