Madikeri: Several regions of Kodagu have been battered by the elephant menace. While large areas of cultivated land and properties have been lost due to rogue elephant menace, elephant trenches seemed to be a reliable solution to keep the elephants away from human settlements.

But, unscientifically laid trenches are creating more problems to people. Long trenches have been dug in Meenu Kolli forest area to curb elephant menace, but locals say that the loose mud has been put on the forest margin, which will not solve their problems.

According to the locals the elephants are smart enough to push the loose mud back into the trench and make road for themselves. With this people of Kandekere and Valnoor are anticipating that the menace from pachyderms will only continue.