'Restore elephant corridor in Bannerghatta National Park to original size'

Bengaluru: Member of the Karnataka State Wildlife Board, Siddharth Goenka, in a letter to the Additional Chief Secretary (Forest Environment and Ecology), has expressed concern over increasing human habitations leading to shrinkage of the elephant corridor in Bannerghatta National Park and the Cauvery Wildlife sanctuary.

"The elephant corridors between Bannerghatta National Park and the Cauvery Wildlife sanctuary are virtual bottlenecks which restrict movement of elephants. This is a serious concern and must be addressed in a comprehensive manner so that the corridors are restored to their original width and length as this will help protect the species in particular and the habitat in general," the letter read.

Mr Goenka suggested that in order to restore the elephant corridor to its original length human resettlement with bridge assistance, afforestation, reducing human interference and avoidance of human - animal conflict and in several instances - rehabilitation.

"Much as these may sound as arduous and resource dependent, it is my humble opinion that keeping in mind our joint commitment to the planet in general and

Bannerghatta and the surrounding forests in particular, not only are these interventions necessary, but more so they need to be focused, specific and time-bound," the letter said.