Farmers in the Talavadi Hills, plagued by ongoing human-animal conflicts, have appealed to the Forest Department for the installation of rail track fences to prevent wild elephants from encroaching on their lands and damaging crops. Villages near the Jeerahalli and Talavadi forest ranges, part of the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve (STR), have reported substantial crop losses and fatalities due to wildlife incursions. The current measures, such as elephant-proof trenches, are either absent or inadequately maintained, prompting a call for more effective solutions. The farmers pointed to the success of rail track fences in the Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Tiger Reserve in Karnataka and advocated for similar installations in STR and bordering areas.
Additionally, farmers have demanded the installation of underground electric cables and permissions for unrestricted use of the Kuliyada-Dhimbam Ghat Road for area residents. They also requested freedom to perform religious ceremonies at forest temples and sought a solatium and government job for the family of Raman of Mudiyanur, who was fatally trampled by an elephant in December 2023. They urged the solatium for wildlife conflict victims be raised to ₹15 lakh and demanded 24-hour road access for farmers. In pursuit of these demands, farmers, along with trade associations and organizations, plan to congregate at the Tahsildar office in Talavadi on October 5. Published on November 3, 2024, this issue reflects the urgent need for government intervention.
Original Story https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Coimbatore/farmers-call-for-installing-rail-track-fences-in-talavadi-hills/article68822458.ece
Category : Coimbatore
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