The conflict between man and elephant has been a regular worry in Kodagu. Records gathered by The Hindu here show that as many as 54 persons lost their lives in the last 10 years in Kodagu from elephant attacks.
At the same time, 88 elephants too died, 65 of them due to natural causes.
As many as 10 pachyderms died from electrocution in various parts of the district and six from gunshot wounds suffered when they strayed into plantations or crop areas.
Surprisingly, there is no record of elephant deaths due to poaching.
The highest number of elephant deaths – 14 – occurred in 2008-09, followed by 11 in year 2007-08. Nine elephants died last year (till January this year).
As many as 54 persons were killed by elephants in various parts of the district, from 2000-01 to 2009-10. Most of the victims were from poor families.
Eleven deaths occurred in 2003-04, the highest in the last 10 years.
As many as five people lost their lives in the attacks in 2009-10 (till January).
Statistics of compensation paid under various heads were available only from 2005-06.
In the Madikeri division, a total of Rs. 11.62 lakh was paid as compensation during 2009-10 (till January), including Rs. 4.64 lakh as crop relief in 257 cases.
In Virajpet division, this amount was Rs. 62.57 lakh for 2009-10, with Rs. 58.86 lakh paid out till January 2010 as crop relief in 204 cases.
However, in Madikeri wildlife division, no relief was paid during 2005-06 and 2006-07, as no complaints were received during this period and no human deaths were reported.
There has just been one case of injury last year and three cases relating to loss of domestic animals reported in the division.
However, a sum of Rs. 10.50 lakh was paid as compensation during 2007-08, including Rs. 9.74 lakh for crop loss in 553 cases.
