THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The country wing of Humane Society International has launched a tip-line to report information on illegal high voltage (220V) electric fencing. The announcement, made on the eve of World Elephant Day, is an attempt to cut down on the frequent death of wild elephants due to electrocution, most recently in Munnar. The organisation has offered a cash reward for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the people involved in setting up these fences throughout Kerala. Three wild elephants had died after coming into contact with high voltage fences in the last 30 days.
The Asian elephant is a protected species listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. “Despite numerous instances of elephant electrocution in Kerala, the government has failed to take any serious action against their illegal installation,” an official HSI/India statement said. While erection of solar powered fencing to ward off wild animals from agricultural estates with a mild jolt is permitted, protection of estates and farms with 220V of electricity is prohibited as it has the potential to kill any animal or human who comes in contact with the live wire.
Sumanth Bindumadhav, wildlife campaign manager of HSI/India said, “Elephants as a species face enough threats as it is with shrinking habitat, competition for resources and poaching for ivory. The last thing they need is to be fatally electrocuted by illegally installed fencing. We can address elephant electrocution by ensuring fencing meets the legal guidelines and does not pose a threat to elephants and other wildlife. We also call on the Forest Department to team up with wildlife researchers and conservationists, to come up with a plethora of effective and proactive solutions in their armoury, to help resolve elephant conflicts with farmers.”
