A memorial built for Arjuna, the tusker, that died during an elephant operation in 2023, was inaugurated at Dabbalikatte plantation of the Forest Department at Yeslur range in Sakaleshpur taluk on Wednesday.

Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre unveiled the 650 kg statue, resembling Arjuna. The statue has been made of concrete, and the outer layer consists of fibre-reinforced polymer. For the statue, the Forest Department spent about ₹14 lakh, and other civil works around the statue incurred another ₹68 lakh, according to forest officials.

Birth control

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Khandre said that Arjuna had won the hearts of many as he carried the golden howdah during the Mysuru Dasara procession eight times. It participated in many operations and played a major role in capturing many trouble-causing elephants. It died because of the injury it suffered after being attacked by a wild tusker during the capture operation on December 4, 2023.

The Minister said that the population of elephants has increased in recent years. There were only 110 elephants in Bandipura in 1972. The number had gone up to 1,100. “At present, there are 6,395 elephants in the State. There is a need for public debate on birth control for select wild animals. I raised this issue so that it is debated. I have expressed my opinion. Let there be debate on the issue," he stated.

Revenue Minister Krishna Byregowda; Member of Parliament Shreyas M. Patel, legislators K.M. Shivalinge Gowda, Cement Manju, PCCF Meenakshi Negi, Deputy Commissioner K.S. Latha Kumari, SP Shubhanwita, CCF V. Yedukondalu and DCF Sourabh Kumar and others were present.