The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : PCCF: farmers firm on electric fencing

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Tuesday, Nov 11, 2008
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Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

PCCF: farmers firm on electric fencing

Staff Reporter

Such an arrangement has been killing animals

Forest Department taking steps to prevent electrocution of elephants: Dilip Kumar
Additional funds promised for strengthening
the department

BANGALORE: The Forest Department has asked the Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Ltd. (KPTCL) to remove the illegal electricity connections installed by farmers to fence their land adjoining the forests, which was harming elephants. But there is opposition from farmers to any such move, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Dilip Kumar has said.

Speaking on the sidelines of a function in connection with Martyrs’ Day organised by the Forest Department, Mr. Kumar said farmers living alongside the forests had clearly stated that they would continue to use such fences around their land to prevent entry of animals into it.

“Farmers tell us they are prepared to face bullets, but will not drop the use of power to prevent movement of animals such as wild pigs in their lands.We are contending with a human problem,” Mr. Kumar said.

He said the department was taking several measures to prevent electrocution of elephants.

This included fencing of farms alongside the forests using solar power. “Solar power has shorter pulse. It will give a shock to the elephant and prevent it from entering the farm. We might ask funds from the Government,” he said.

The department was also focusing on the maintenance of the elephant proof trench (EPT) — a big trench dug on the forest border to prevent elephant movement.

“Henceforth, contracts for EPT will come with a condition that the contractor will maintain it for two years. We are also trying to involve the village forest committees for this purpose,” Mr. Kumar said.

Report awaited

Mr. Kumar said he was awaiting the report on the death of eight elephants in the Mysore-Chamarajanagar forest area in the first week of November.

“It is not clear whether the elephants died of electrocution or drowning or due to poisoning. The external injury does not reveal anything,” he said.

The viscera of the elephants had been sent to the Department of Animal Husbandry of the University of Agricultural Sciences for tests.

“We are expecting the report shortly,” Mr. Kumar added.

Earlier, Lokayukta N. Santosh Hegde took part in the Martyrs’ Day event held every year in memory of Deputy Conservator of Forests Srinivas, who was murdered by forest brigand Veerappan on November 10, 1991.

As many as 34 Forest Department personnel, including P. Srinivas, were remembered.

They included veterinarian G.K. Vishwanath from Bannerghatta Biological Park, who died in January following an injury suffered in an operation.

Mr. Hegde said the Forest Department personnel were ill-equipped to prevent forest crime and protect the forests. Principal Secretary, Forests, Environment and Ecology, C. Meera Saxena, said additional funds would be provided to strengthen the staff and provide them with modern weapons and training.

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