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
In one instant of random chaos, a carefree schoolgirl and an enraged elephant crossed paths. This is their story
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
The Dhangars are always on the move and, twice a year, they make a 500km long migration across central India. This is the story of their journey
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
It’s a shame that we had CMs and a PM from Hassan and could not use the political clout/will to make it a co-existance zone making it safe for both Humans and Elephants…
A well written piece. Do i understand from your article that you are suggesting that the elephant must go elsewhere?
For the casual urban reader and environmentalist, the first thought is that the elephant has its rights as we humans do. The people in the affected zones have other ideas though. It is for the informed people in the administration that to take a decision that helps both, whatever it be. Leaving it unsolved will only make it worse for the elephant. Frankly, we have an anthropocentric approach to everything. That must go and i’m not talking of the elephant alone here.
Keep writing.
Dear Capt Kanitkar,
I am not suggesting anything at all. I am merely reporting what played out in Hassan and it was the task force that recommended
this action.
Very nicely written…..I am a fan.
Read all the three parts. beautifully narrated. Though I feel sad for the human lives lost, I also think the elephants have as much right over the land and its resources as we humans do. Probably it’s because of various insensitive decisions we take in the name of development and system, that we are facing issues like these. I wonder how our ancestors lived in absolute harmony with nature, forests and wildlife. Habitat overlapping is due to either displacement of wildlife from their original places or human intrusion into present or former reserve forest areas. Finding an amicable solution for human-animal conflict is impossible without a prudent well-thought-out approach. System’s shortsighted measures will only make things worse. I really hope the elephants and humans of Hassan get to find a way out of this.
It was highly enlightening to read your stories, Kalyan. Keep writing!
Kalyan, “I am merely reporting what played out at Hassan” is what you said. It was not just that, the series had depth, understanding of issues, and most importantly neutrality in the real sense of giving the reader information to make his own decision about the issue. I am certain that you would personally have your own views or feelings about this, but they were held in check and hence did cloud the readers decision making. This rarely happens in journalism today – great reporting. Readers and others (me included) are certainly entitled to their views. I feel that unless humanity recognizes that we are collectively responsible for all that happens in every tiny corner of the globe, we cannot solve any problem. Can’t have your cake and eat it too! – Thanks for the professional reporting while still showing all around sensitivity (hope others follow!).
“…but they were held in check and hence did cloud the readers decision making.” should read “but they were held in check and hence did NOT cloud the readers decision making.” a small typo but a different meaning – sorry about that.
Dear Kalyan,
It is very easy to be emotional, berate and take sides. And more so for a cozy city dweller to freely air ones views without understanding the complexities involved. Any sensible understanding will empathize with the Elephants, the affected People and the Forest Dept Personnel. Ramegowda’s words .. “It is us that feed the elephants, not you animal lovers! .. ” are so true. It needs an all round understanding of the problem .. and support for solutions? in that context.
I have read all three parts and also Inside an Elephant Capture (yes it is tough on me). I agree with Sri Ajay Desai, it takes special character and commitment to report with the sensitivity you do and not take sides. You are amazing.
Regards.
What can I say that hasn’t already been said?! Keep up the good work. It’s heartening to see that inspite of a general climate of unhindered avarice, selfishness and meanness, there are people who still believe and aren’t disillusioned. This has no easy solutions. Only tough ones, provided we are fearless enough to take those and have a vision for the long term. Right now, both man and elephant will continue to lose lives.
Dear Mr Varma,
Your series is like binge-reading, which is becoming increasingly difficult for someone like me. I read all the three parts in one sitting. Like I’ve mentioned earlier, you write beautifully.
While you too said that you’re reporting what played out in Hassan, do you see any solution in the near future? Is that what your series aims for?
Warm regards,
Shreya
I love it! elephants are my daheutgr favorite animal so they have a special place in my heart. And that one has so much personality. 🙂 With that much green grass, he’s right at home I’m sure. Have a great evening. Xoxo
Such beautiful writing, not simply reporting but skillful story telling combined with the lovely illustrations especially for the painful story of the loss of a child. Truly moved, for all the people in this story, the elephants and the bleak future of this beautiful world we call our home. I’m not a pessimist but it doesn’t look rosy.
And indeed I find myself struggling with what could possibly be the answer or solution to this dilemma, am no closer to it then any of us I imagine.
Certainly this series is the first step in the right direction, hope more people get involved with this issue and collectively get closer to resolving what are clearly complex issues.
[…] has doubled since 2014 after 22 wild elephants were captured/translocated from Hassan based on the recommendations of scientists and members of the then Karnataka Elephant Task Force. Unfortunately, this also […]