Man and elephants confront each other in the farms and forests of Karnataka. Attitudes harden, battle lines are drawn, and there is no drawing back
In one instant of random chaos, a carefree schoolgirl and an enraged elephant crossed paths. This is their story
As conflict escalates in Hassan and the toll of humans and elephants mounts, an activist court and a dedicated task force come together to find a solution
Dhangars are nomadic migratory shepherds spread across the dry habitats of peninsular India. Constantly on the move, they travel with thousands of sheep and share the landscape with other wildlife
For rural India, sharing space with wildlife is second nature. But as development gets fast-tracked, the delicate, value-based balance of man and nature is tilting; coexistence is giving way to conflict. This year-long project explores the complex inter-relationships between Man and Nature.
A country decides what to give its people and what to take from them; what to make and sell, what to buy and distribute. In making these decisions, it arrives at a definition of development. The path has weight, for it forges the character of its citizens, leaving them with hope, or fear, or an upheaval felt for generations. The Noble Mansion will chronicle this development through the lived experiences of businessmen and bureaucrats, and villagers and city dwellers across India as it renews itself.
All the drinking water in the world will fit in a cube that can sit over the city of Bangalore. And in this industrial age, everyone wants a share of aquifers, rivers, lakes, and wetlands. Voices get shriller and stakes rise ever higher should a river cross international boundaries. Add to all this, the unpredictability of weather patterns in the age of climate change.
On the freshwater trail, I will follow the changing fortunes of people and species in the anthropocene era
Very interesting turn of nature. Is anyone doing something about the elephant numbers?
Is there a way found to re – direct their path back to the forest?
Kalyan,
Another great article explaining the current ground situation. Eagerly waiting for the 3rd part.
Thank you.
Feeling sorry about Suprita and other families, nor the people or the elephants can be blamed. Such human animal conflicts can be resolved for a while but not for a long. Loss is a loss for both the species.
I find this very interesting article. Sad for Suprita and many more.No parent should endure this.Deforestation caused this , I agree both with elephant and farmers.
Hi Kalyan,
Once again a really thought-triggering sequel in this trilogy. I am left with mixed feelings – of rage, helplessness, frustration. I cannot claim to understand what the locals are going through. And I can’t bring myself to blame the elephants either. Is there really a solution? Not as long as we are shortsighted and see what we want to. Thank you for very evocative writing.
None to blame !! Nature has its own ways to balance .. what about the loss of life, can that be balanced ? .. its obvious that people make livelihood there.. What can be the solution? Every action has its own pros and cons … Can forest officials make farming around the forest for the elephants to graze peacefully.. just a thought .. not sure how feasible !!??
This is such an amazing balanced viewpoint and series. thank you so much for bringing the human face to life. This must be so frustrating for the farmers when people seem so much more enraged and seem to care more about the elephants than them.