From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network
Mudigere (Chikkamagaluru), Nov 8: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who held an emergency meeting with the Chikmagaluru Deputy Commissioner, Superintendent of Police and Forest Department officials, has announced a compensation of Rs 15 lakh to the family of the woman who was trampled by wild elephant at Hedadalu of Mudigere in Chikkamagaluru district on Wednesday morning.
The Chief Minister also directed the forest department officials to take urgent steps to ensure that the wild elephants were sent back to the forest.
He, however, urged the local people not to agitate for shooting and killing the wild elephant herd, which have strayed into the town.
“We have not yet reached the stage where wild elephants which stray into the ton have to be killed. Let us be patient,’’ he said.
Siddaramaiah said man-animal conflict has been going on and it cannot be resolved by killing.
The Chief Minister also held telephonic talks with the people agitating by keeping the body of the deceased woman Meena and assured that the government will take all steps to ensure that the wild elephant herd is sent back to the forest. Necessary directions have been given to the officials to take action, he said.
He said the Forest Minister will be visiting the district and will hold meetings with officials and take necessary steps.
Siddaramaiah said the wild elephants stray into the town as coffee plantations are adjacent to the forest areas.
“Steps will be taken to fence the areas and the task force has been asked to ensure that precautionary measures are taken,’’ he said.
The Chief Minister arrived in Mudigere to attend the funeral of the deceased veteran leader D B Chandre Gowda, who was accorded a state funeral.