Chikkamagaluru: The farmers in Koppa taluk took severe exception against the forest department due to the wild elephant problem.The farmers, led by former minister DN Jeevaraj, submitted a memorandum to the deputy conservator of forests (DCF) Shivashankar and Koppa Tahsildar Likitha Mohan at the DCF office in Koppa on Tuesday. The farmers of Marithottalu, Narasipura, and adjoining areas staged a protest as an elephant was raiding crops in the region.The farmers, condemning the state govt and forest minister Eshwar Khandre, said they had no concern for the people. “Irrespective of political party, we need to protest to get a permanent solution. Not only elephants, but wild animals are also raiding crops and creating fear among the farmers,” said villager Narve Anil.Jeevaraj said this was the first step of agitation. “The forest department and the state govt will be held responsible if any untoward incident is reported,” he said. Taking exception against Khandre, Jeevaraj said the forest minister is listening to fake environmentalists. “No environmentalists step out of air-conditioned chambers and have no idea about Malnad,” he charged.Jeevaraj warned the officials, “Don’t neglect or underestimate farmers. You don’t get food if you keep showing mercy on animals,” he said. “We need no compensation. We cannot live in towns or cities. We were not ready for relocation. Our ancestors planted saplings in the forest, but hundreds of people come to cut saplings,” Jeevaraj charged. Forest officials were feared of fake environmentalists rather than MLAs and the minister, he charged.Jeevaraj said the problem started seven years back after a few elephants crossed the Bhadra River. In addition, the Yattinahole project in Sakleshpura in Hassan resulted in the problem. Khandre is not able to understand the problem.DCF Shivashankar said he would take all necessary measures to control the menace. “We will identify the animal and also study its features to take measures,” he said.
