Sullia MLA Bhagirathi Murulya has called for full government funding for solar fencing to combat the surge in elephant raids. Meanwhile, massive compensation claims remain pending for hundreds of farmers.

  • Approximately 80 elephants are roaming Sullia and Puttur areas.
  • MLA demands 100% government subsidy for solar-powered electric fencing.
  • ₹73 lakh compensation is pending for 381 distressed farmers.
  • FIR ordered against GMPL for illegal burial of a dead peacock.

SULLIA, MANGALURU: The escalating menace of wild elephant attacks in Sullia and its surrounding regions has reached a critical point, prompting local leadership to demand immediate state intervention. Speaking at the District Development Co-ordination and Monitoring Committee (DISHA) meeting on Saturday, Sullia MLA Bhagirathi Murulya highlighted the severe impact these raids are having on the local farming community.

To mitigate the conflict, Murulya proposed the widespread installation of solar-powered electric fencing systems. While the state government currently offers a 50% subsidy for such installations, the MLA urged the government to bear the entire cost. She emphasized that farmers are already facing an existential threat due to agricultural diseases like yellow leaf, fruit rot, and leaf spot in their arecanut plantations, making additional expenses for fencing an impossible burden.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the intersection of human settlement expansion and wildlife corridors is creating a high-risk zone for agricultural stability. Without robust, state-funded preventive measures, the economic backbone of the Sullia region—its farmers—could face total collapse.

Providing full subsidies for solar fencing is not just an agricultural aid; it is a necessary step for regional peace and human-wildlife coexistence.

According to Forest Department data presented during the meeting, an estimated 80 elephants are currently active in the Sullia and Puttur belts. While ₹3.30 lakh has been disbursed to 19 farmers this year, a staggering ₹73 lakh in compensation remains unpaid to 381 farmers who have suffered crop destruction.

Environmental Violations and Legal Action

The meeting also addressed a significant environmental concern involving GAIL Mangalore Petrochemicals Ltd. (GMPL). Deputy Commissioner H.V. Darshan directed the Forest Department to register a formal case against the company for burying a dead peacock without prior notification. This issue was initially raised by Bajpe Town Panchayat president Lokesh Poojary.

Although company authorities initially claimed ignorance of the law, Deputy Commissioner Darshan dismissed this as an invalid excuse. He ordered an immediate FIR and a thorough investigation to determine if the bird died of natural causes or was poisoned.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the MLA's specific demand regarding elephant protection?
She is demanding that the state government provide 100% subsidy for solar-powered electric fencing instead of the current 50%.

2. How many farmers are awaiting compensation?
Currently, 381 farmers are waiting for a total compensation amount of ₹73 lakh.

Did You Know?: Elephant raids often occur during specific seasons when natural forest forage becomes scarce, forcing herds toward agricultural lands.