Online Bangalore

Interview with - G. Vidyasagar

The Elephants of Banerghatta


"There are two things in life that you can look at forever, without getting fed up. One is the sea and the other is the elephant."
..........Ancient folk saying
The Asian elephant is indeed a beautiful and gracious animal. Forever etched in the hearts of Indians as the lovable God Ganesha, it really looks as if divine intervention is the last resort as the elephant population in India faces a threatening future. As sustainable environs are fast diminishing, these beautiful animals are now in confrontation with man for want of food and space. Bangalore’s Banerghatta National Park is home to a number of elephants as well as a transit station for migratory herds from other states. A handful of dedicated people have been involved in finding a permanent solution to this problem. The true ‘Elephant Man’Dr. Raman

Sukumar, the worlds leading expert on the Asiatic Elephant. J.Manjunath, the vital link between the experts and the villagers. The forest rangers of Banerghatta. The common link between these men is the concern they share for the future of the elephant. It is a daunting task, but we feel it is in the right hands. Meanwhile, the elephants are on the run. Chased from one state into the other in search of food, through corridors that get narrower due to human encroachment. While the people in the corridors of power seem oblivious to their plight.

Online Bangalore in the first of its series of interviews and features highlighting the issue of the conservation of the elephants of Banerghatta, talks to G.Vidya Sagar, I.F.S., Conservator of forests and also the Director of Banerghatta National Park.

What is the specialty of Banerghatta National Park?

Banerghatta National Park with its area of 104 sq. kms or 25,000 acres is one of the only two National Parks in the world with such close proximity to the Capital city of a state. The other being the Kenyan National Park in Nairobi. And it is located just 20 kms off the heart of Bangalore city.

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