The increase in the number of blackbucks in Koppal district has become a cause of worry for the forest department. The blackbucks have damaged the crops worth Rs 1 crore in the last one-and-a-half year in Koppal district.
The department has already disbursed a compensation of Rs 40 lakh. It has to pay Rs 60 lakh to the affected farmers in Yelburga and Koppal taluks.
In the last few years, thousands of blackbucks have been found in Yelburga and Koppal taluks.
They are feeding on the standing crops causing losses to farmers. They are found in an area of 200-300 acres in these two taluks.
The only sigh of relief for the department is that farmers do not harm these antilopes and no poaching cases have been reported so far.
However, they are now worried about the frequent raids of blackbucks on agricultural fields.
They have requested the forest department to shift these herbivores to nearby sanctuaries and save their crops.
'Shifting of blackbucks not possible'
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Dipak Sarmah told Express that the shifting of thousands of blackbucks is not possible. “The blackbucks are sensitive animals and they may die of shock if we try to tranquilize and physically shift them to nearby sanctuaries,” he stated.
There is no forest land in Koppal district. The department may require around 400-500 acres to set up a blackbuck sanctuary.
Due to non-availability of forest land, the department has to buy land from farmers and this requires huge funds.
No plan for new sanctuary
“Our employees are interacting with farmers on blackbuck menace and trying to find out an amicable solution,” he said. According to him, one of the options is to set up a blackbuck sanctuary. However, there is no such immediate plan as it involves a long process like huge funds to buy agriculture land from farmers and taking permission from the state and union governments.
The immediate priority before the department is to protect the blackbucks which are categorised as endangered since 2003.
“We are optimistic of finding a solution”, he added.