Chikkamagalur: Two trampled to death by elephant in Kudremukh were waiting for rehabilitation

Chikkamagalur: Two trampled to death by elephant in Kudremukh were waiting for rehabilitation

Mangalore Today News Network

Chikkamagalur, Nov 1, 2025: The government’s prolonged delay in processing the rehabilitation and resettlement (R&R) applications of families seeking relocation from the Kudremukh National Park (KNP) has cost two lives. On Friday, two villagers — Umesh and Harish from Keremane in Kerekatte, Sringeri taluk — were trampled to death by an elephant.

Sources in the Forest Department confirmed that both victims belonged to families that had applied for rehabilitation, but their cases remained pending due to a shortage of funds.

The R&R plan, approved in 2005 when the state aimed to root out Naxalism in Chikkamagaluru and Udupi districts, has since lost momentum. Despite strong initial participation — with over 500 of 876 eligible families in Chikkamagaluru district applying for relocation — progress has been painfully slow.

“As many as 233 families seeking relocation are from the Kerekatte range, where the incident occurred. Unfortunately, the R&R process has nearly stalled in recent years,” said wildlife conservationist Veeresh G.

Across KNP, responses have varied. While over half of the 263 families from Dakshina Kannada district sought relocation, only about a third of the 243 families in Udupi district expressed interest. The government’s 2020 estimate pegged the cost of rehabilitation at ₹40 lakh per family.

Out of more than 550 applications, only 255 have been cleared so far. “About 297 families are still waiting to move out of KNP. The project has been stagnant for the past five years, leaving many vulnerable. The two victims were among those waiting for compensation,” Veeresh added.

KNP Deputy Conservator of Forests Shivaram Babu said the department is pursuing the R&R work seriously. “This year, ₹5 crore was allocated, and ₹2.5 crore was released. We utilised that amount to rehabilitate four families and have requested the release of the balance. Priority will be given to the victims’ families,” he said.

Officials confirmed that ex gratia of ₹20 lakh has been paid to each bereaved family. A senior official noted that the R&R issue resurfaces only after tragedies. “The government is seeking compensatory afforestation funds for the project. Although these funds belong to the state, they require the Centre’s approval,” the official said.