Panaji: Goa and Karnataka have agreed to adopt a joint approach to address human-elephant conflict, with a decision on the rehabilitation of elephant ‘Omkar’ expected within the next two weeks, said Goa Forest Minister Vishwajit Rane.
Omkar, which strayed into Tamboxem village in Goa four days ago, has caused damage to local farmers’ crops. Previous efforts by the Goa Forest Department to reunite him with his herd at Dodamarg in Maharashtra were unsuccessful.
Rane said he held a joint meeting with Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre, along with senior officials from both states’ forest departments in Panaji. Discussions focused on strategies to mitigate man-elephant conflict and the possibility of a tripartite agreement between Goa, Karnataka, and Maharashtra.
“The discussions focused on the need for a Tripartite Agreement aimed at building capacity and implementing coordinated strategies to mitigate human-elephant conflict across the region. Such collective action will strengthen our efforts towards ensuring safety for both communities and wildlife,” Rane stated.
Regarding Omkar, the immediate concern, Rane said, “We have requested that Omkar be rehabilitated at the Karnataka camp, where he can receive the care and environment he requires. A resolution will be implemented within the next 14 days.”
He emphasized that inter-state cooperation is key to fostering a humane approach to coexistence with wildlife.
