The department has erected concrete fences at places where it is not possible to dig elephant trenches.

Assistant Conservator of Forest M Nagaraj told DH, “Concrete pillars, with nails, were constructed to keep the jumbos at bay. As there were possibilities of the wild animals getting injured, the Supreme Court had issued orders to remove them. Accordingly, the nails are being removed. The concrete pillars have been erected and trenches dug near Krishnaiahanakatte, Devarahalli, and Gowdahalli. The rail fence costs Rs 1.25 crore per kilometer. But, the eco-friendly cement pillars cost Rs 6 to 15 lakh,” he said.

Range Forest Officer M Mahadevaiah said, “A 125-meter-long concrete fence has been constructed at BRT range in Yalandur. It is constructed at places where trenches and solar fencing could not be installed. The cost of constructing a concrete fence is Rs 6,000 per meter,” he said.