Moves to control human-elephant conflict
Practical measures have been introduced to control the human-elephant conflict which intensified during the recent past in Mahiyangana and Sorabora Wewa areas, said Wildlife and Agrarian Services Minister S M Chandrasena.
It has been decided to construct an elephant conservation centre near the Mahiyangana Pradeshiya Sabha to take care of wild elephants which destroy village property.
The Minister said that electrified fences will be constructed to prevent elephants encroaching villages. He observed that a seven kilometre electrified fence has already been completed in this area.
The minister made these comments during an inspection tour of the Mahiyanganaya Sorabora wewa area to look into the problems faced by people due to the human-elephant conflict.
He noted that compensation has been paid for the house and property damages incurred due to the human-elephant conflict. Chandrasena said that regional wildlife officers have been informed to chase wild elephants encroaching this area. About four wild elephants often encroach these villages.
The minister said that the main reason for the aggravation of human-elephant conflict is the shrinking forest cover. He said that the forest cover where wild animals live was about 41 percent in 1950 and this has now reduced to 20 percent. He said that prompt measures will be taken to control the human-elephant conflict by 90 percent within next year.
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