Amid growing concerns over the human-wildlife conflict in Kodagu, Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, Mysuru-Kodagu MP, on Tuesday (June 9) called for a permanent and sustainable solution to the issue.

He stressed that conservation efforts must be balanced with the safety and well-being of people living in affected areas.

Speaking after inaugurating the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ (One Tree in Mother’s Name) programme organised as part of World Environment Day celebrations at the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) in Gonikoppal, Kodagu district, Mr. Wadiyar said that despite the district’s rich green cover, it continues to grapple with natural calamities and increasing incidents of human-wildlife conflict.

“Decisive steps are needed to find a lasting solution to the human-wildlife conflict. While protecting forests and wildlife is essential, people must also be able to live peacefully and securely,” he said.

The MP observed that environmental challenges are being witnessed across districts and called for intensified afforestation and green-cover enhancement programmes. Initiatives undertaken with a genuine concern for the environment are likely to receive positive support from society, he added.

Suja Kushalappa, MLC, pushed for increased use of green manure and called on senior farmers to encourage younger generations to take up agriculture. Such efforts would not only strengthen farming but also promote environmental awareness among the youth, he said.

K.G. Bopaiah, former MLA, BJP district president Napanda Ravi Kalappa, and KVK head Muralidhar were present.

Earlier, Mr. Wadiyar participated in the Centre’s ‘Krishi Bhoomi Ulisi Abhiyana’ (Save Agricultural Land) campaign on the KVK campus by planting saplings to promote environmental conservation and sustainable land-use practices.

Later, he inaugurated the BJP Virajpet Mandal office in Gonikoppal and said party offices would play an important role in strengthening the organisation and preparing strategies for future elections in Kodagu district.