Man-elephant conflict happens because of various reasons. Elephants cover a large area. Unfortunately, the entire area that elephants roam around is not protected as reserve forests, sanctuaries or national parks.

Since we haven't protected their entire habitat, it is inevitable that people will come in contact with elephants.

Traditional communities knew about elephants. The settlers who have no knowledge of elephants panic when they see elephants passing through the place.

Elephants also love nutritious plants and fruits like paddy, plantains etc. Most of the people don't realise that and grow crops and fruits preferred by elephants.

Announcing 100 crores to reduce Man-Elephant conflict is grossly insufficient as this will not eradicate the main problem. The elephant corridors are blocked. Unless the Government is serious in ensuring that the elephant corridors are free from human habitations, this problem will continue.

Also, our forests have lost their diversity. Can the Government plant several hundred species of plants and trees chosen by the elephants for food? Growing bamboo, planting fruit bearing trees etc will help a bit. However, the weed infestations have resulted in loss of cover for various grasses.

The areas for elephant corridors have already been mapped. If the Government can come up with money to acquire the land for elephant corridors, then a lot of these conflicts will get removed.