Tamil Nadu Forest Minister M S M Anandan today launched "Project Kaliru" aimed at bringing down man-animal conflict and related issues like damage and property loss due to elephant attacks in the Forest Division here.
Under the project, measures would be taken to reduce the incidents of man-animal conflicts in the fringe area of forests in the division, where wild elephants visit frequently, he said inaugurating the 22nd Annual State Forest Sports Meet here.
In order to identify and decide on the adequate solatium to the loss of crop in the farmers' land an "e-compensation" scheme was also launched by the Minister.
He said the forest cover which was 17 per cent when Chief Minister Jayalalithaa took over the reign in 2011 had gone up to 18.33 per cent at present due to her serious efforts.
In order to provide adequate protection to the people living in the surroundings of forests, the Chief Minister had announced setting up of five Rapid Action Force teams in Nilgiris, Gudalur, Krishnagiri, Tirunelveli and Coimbatore, the Minister said.
Anandan also distributed solatium to the families of those killed by elephants and also compensation to those, whose property and crops were damaged.
