Funds shortfall stalls Lemru Elephant Corridor
Korba | Correspondent: The Lemru Elephant Corridor, a government initiative aimed at mitigating human-elephant conflict, is struggling due to delays and inadequacies in fund allocation.
Forest divisions are facing difficulties in arranging essential resources like food and water for elephants, leading to growing tension between humans and wildlife.
Over the last two years, approximately ₹98 crores were allocated under the Lemru Elephant Corridor for elephant-affected regions.
However, only ₹20 crores have been utilized so far.
In Korba district, among the most impacted areas, just ₹7 crores have been spent across its two forest divisions, Katghora and Korba.
Challenges in Implementation
Despite the corridor’s establishment, no significant steps have been taken to improve the situation within the reserve.
Forest officials cite delayed and insufficient fund disbursement as key reasons for their inability to implement habitat management plans effectively.
“Due to continuous budget cuts and delays, providing basic necessities like fodder, water, and other facilities for elephants has become nearly impossible,” said a forest official.
Under the corridor’s CAMPA (Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority) funds, projects such as habitat development, human-elephant conflict management, groundwater resource management, and infrastructure development were planned.
However, these remain largely unfulfilled.
Scope and Misuse of Funds
The Lemru Elephant Corridor encompasses 11 forest ranges across Korba, Surguja, and Raigarh districts, including Kendai, Etmanagar, Udaipur, Lakhanpur, Kudmura, Pasarkhet, Balko, Lemru, Boro, Kapu, and Dharamjaygarh.
Despite the initial ₹98 crore allocation, the funds have been disproportionately spent.
For instance, only ₹4.75 crores were allocated to Korba district in the first year, which was further slashed to just ₹57 lakh in the second year.
Alarmingly, funds intended for the corridor are being diverted to areas outside its scope, such as Lormi in Achanakmar Tiger Reserve and Belgahna in Bilaspur, where ₹35.74 lakh and ₹9 lakh were spent respectively.
50-Elephant Herd Wreaks Havoc in Katghora
Currently, a herd of 50 elephants is roaming in the Katghora Forest Division, creating panic among residents.
After briefly moving to the district border, the herd has returned, causing significant damage to homes and paddy crops.
The elephants, frequently seen in the Kendai and Etmanagar forest ranges, are affecting 30-40 villages in the area, leaving locals in fear.
“The situation is escalating as elephants destroy crops and homes while resources to manage the situation remain scarce,” said a local resident.
