Karnataka explores beehive fencing to tackle elephant conflict

Bengaluru: To address increasing human-elephant conflicts in forested regions, state govt is considering an innovative, eco-friendly solution — beekeeping along elephant corridors.

The proposal was highlighted during a high-level review meeting chaired by chief minister Siddaramaiah with deputy commissioners and zilla panchayat CEOs on Friday.Labour minister Santosh Lad explained elephants instinctively avoid areas inhabited by honeybees. “So, if we promote beekeeping along the barricaded forest areas, it will benefit both farmers and also reduce elephant menace,” he said, to highlight the importance of “beehive fencing” method.The CM also stressed afforestation efforts. He noted about 15.2 lakh acres of land are available for planting trees and over 8.5 crore saplings have been planted in the last two years. Siddaramaiah called for a phased action plan to maximise plantation and asked for detailed data on afforestation progress over the past decade.Gun licenses for shepherds Siddaramaiah reiterated his directive to issue gun licenses to shepherds for protecting their flocks and themselves.

“In some areas, this is yet to be implemented. There have been incidents where shepherds have been killed by thieves. This process must be streamlined,” he said. Chief secretary Shalini Rajneesh informed a senior officer will be appointed to oversee the issuance of these licenses. Microfinance harassment The CM questioned officials about measures taken under the microfinance law. “If DCs, SPs, and tahsildars work seriously, the microfinance harassment issue can be controlled,” he said.

Since Jan, 31 cases have been filed, with five suicides reported in Vijayanagara, Davangere, and Kodagu districts.Drug-free K’taka The CM also urged strict action against narcotics trafficking, insisting that Karnataka must become drug-free through coordinated efforts by police, education, and other departments.On road safety, he emphasised on identifying accident-prone areas and measures taken to prevent accidents.

“The DC is responsible, and accident rates must not increase,” he said.BoxCall for diary discipline among DCsEmphasising on the need for better documentation and accountability, the CM directed district officials to cultivate the habit of writing daily work diaries. “DCs must regularly develop the habit of maintaining a diary documenting fieldwork, problems encountered, and solutions provided. Reports suggest some officers are still not maintaining them. If these diaries reach the chief secretaries, I too can review them,” he said.