Karnataka is fast-tracking the creation of a soft release centre to rehabilitate approximately 300 wild elephants currently outside forest areas, following the Union government's rejection of a proposal to set up the facility in Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary. Forest Minister Eshwar B. Khandre said on May 6 that the sanctuary was turned down as a site because it is also a tiger reserve, and a new location has now been identified for the 'Aane Dhama' project.

The Forest Department is preparing a detailed project report for the new facility, aimed at reducing human-elephant conflict in districts like Kodagu, where elephants frequently enter plantations and farmlands. Khandre described capturing and relocating elephants as a major logistical challenge, stressing the need to prevent loss of life during operations.

Meanwhile, the state has deployed rail barriers, elephant-proof trenches, and rapid-response teams to manage conflict situations. Frontline forest staff and task forces remain deployed in high-risk zones, and the Minister urged local communities to follow official guidelines during encounters.

The state also began construction of a ₹7.30 crore hanging bridge across the Cauvery River at Dubare in Kodagu, a project jointly taken up by the Forest Department and Public Works Department. The bridge, expected to benefit over 150 families and boost tourism at the Dubare elephant camp, is scheduled for completion in the coming months.

The Forest Department will finalize the new site for the elephant rehabilitation centre and submit the detailed project report to the Centre for approval. The court will resume hearing on Tuesday.