Forest Department Seals Rail Barricade Gaps After Elephant Trapped Near Kanakapura
The Karnataka Forest Department (KFD) has sealed unauthorized gaps in the railway barricades surrounding a forest sanctuary in the Muggur Range near Kanakapura, following a survey initiated after the rescue of a trapped 22-year-old elephant on July 1.
A boundary perambulation of the entire sanctuary was ordered to identify vulnerable stretches along the rail barricades. During the inspection, officials uncovered two unauthorized gaps in the barricades, including the one where the elephant became trapped. According to forest officials, these openings had been created under pressure from local villagers to facilitate the movement of cattle for grazing.
Officials believe the 22-year-old tusker attempted to squeeze through the opening while searching for food and became wedged between the metal barricades. The animal's hind leg was badly trapped during the incident.
Kumar Pushkar, the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Chief Wildlife Warden of Karnataka, confirmed that the gaps have now been securely sealed and the sanctuary boundary is fully secured. He stated that such gaps are not part of the approved design of the rail barricades and were left by field staff under pressure from villagers.
Pushkar emphasized that these operational lapses cannot be allowed. He stated that he will raise the issue with all forest divisions during the department's next review meeting to ensure that if any similar openings are found elsewhere, they are immediately sealed.
Wildlife experts have called for a comprehensive inspection of rail barricades across elephant habitats. Ramesh Belagere of the Foundation for Ecology and Education Development noted that the stretch where the incident occurred is frequently used by villagers for cattle grazing and requires regular monitoring.
Belagere warned that such gaps can be extremely dangerous and potentially fatal for elephants, noting that any sharp edges on the barricade could have caused severe injuries to the trapped animal. He added that the Forest Department must not yield to pressure from villagers and must ensure barricades are maintained according to approved specifications.
