The wild giants and village folks are clashing hard in Shivamogga! Minister for School Education Madhu Bangarappa is shouting out loud for a special team to handle the wild elephant trouble, just like the one working in the neighbouring districts of Hassan and Chikkamagaluru. Why? Elephants are stepping into human areas, smashing crops and damaging water pipes, causing big losses to farmers. On November 28, at a heated review meeting in Shivamogga, Minister Bangarappa promised to take this to the State level. He said he wants a special team to watch over the elephants, stopping them from entering human homes and fields. Legislators Beluru Gopala Krishna, Araga Jnanendra, and Sharada Puryanaik spoke up for their areas too. They said, “Officers have done nothing to stop the elephants.” Their angry words made it clear many farmers are suffering a lot, with their precious crops hammered by roaming elephants. But Deputy Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Prasanna Krishna Patagar shared some bright spots. He said, “Since June, our staff have been patrolling day and night. We built elephant-proof trenches and installed solar tentacles to keep elephants away.” Still, the problem rings loud and clear. The talk didn’t stop there. Doctors’ shortage in rural areas also came under the spotlight. MLA Gopala Krishna said health centres in Byakodu and Nittur have no doctors at all, despite his repeated requests. The Health Department admitted many doctors avoid compulsory rural service postings. Minister Bangarappa slammed, “They should find and post doctors who really commit to these villages.” He added, “The State government will bring in a new policy to strengthen rural health services.” So, the buzz in Shivamogga is full of action plans to protect farmers from huge elephant troubles and to fix the missing doctors problem in villages. Stay tuned as the state gears up to tackle these challenges head-on!