BELAGAVI
Farmers from villages in Khanapur and Belagavi talukas neighbouring Goa have been hit by heavy losses as herds of Gaur (Indian Bison) from the dense reserved forests bordering Goa have been destroying their crops and plantations.
Villages like Tillari, Kodali, Kudremani, Hajgoli and Tudaye, which are located near Goa, Karnataka and Maharashtra, are surrounded by dense reserve forests.
Aggrieved villages of Kudremani said while they have been facing several problems due the wild animals, conflict among forest officials over border jurisdiction has added to their woes.
“While human-wildlife conflict has been prevailing over the years, there is also confusion among authorities over the border jurisdiction. To add to our woes, leopards are also entering human habitat, due to which most villages in the border region are living under threat,” lamented a villager.
Another farmer said the Gaur had destroyed a cashew plantation of a farmer, Maruti Patil, who faced hue losses during the cashew season.
Seek support from forest authorities in Goa, says Karnataka official
BELAGAVI: Karnataka forest officials have confirmed the movement of herds of Gaur in the outskirts of some villages close to Goa. “We have formed teams of forest officials and guards to ensure safety of villagers, but we also seek support and coordination from forest authorities in Goa and Maharashtra,” a forest official said.
Forest officials and farmers have been exploring ways to move the Gaur away from human habitation.
