I agree that these things are still happening.

Whom do we blame? We survive on power from hydroelectricity projects that have displaced many people. We work in factories that have displaced people. (atleast I have worked at one point of time). We demand good roads so that we can drive down from one town to another faster. We never mind that many people lose their livelihood as their lands are taken over. We do ride roughshod on other peoples dreams.

Two days back I was arguing with someone whose resort is in the forest and elephants at times come close. He feels that in Kerala the elephant population has increased and has become a menace. People don't buy into the argument that it is we who have ventured into the forests to set up plantations, farm houses, resorts etc and are in the traditional elephant corridors. With our proclivity to construct dams on rivers, the elephants are often forced to do some course corrections and at times come in contact with people. The present day protected networks have been designed in such a manner, ofcourse inadvertently, that the majority of the elephant migration corridors fall outside it. Despite the launch of the elephant taskforce report with much fanfare, the Government didn't accept the major reccomendations and there has been no money to buy back the land that could have protected the elephant corridors.

It is important to explain things to people. There are some superstitions which ensure that certain species are mercilessly hunted. If a tiger's claw is seen as a lucky charm and results in the tiger being hunted, then how can it be a lucky charm? There was a time when it was a matter of pride to hunt down a species by displaying tremendous skills. These days with the advent of superior weapons, it doesn't need any skill. Even a kid can pump bullets into a large animal and bring it down. Where is the manhood involved?