Hunt on to nab farmer for erecting electric fence

To prevent wild animal invasion, some erect electrified barbed wire fences

The practice of erecting electric fences by farmers intent on protecting their farms from invasion by wild animals is causing concern for forest department personnel attached to the Thirukkurunkudi range under the Kalakkad division of the Kalakkad–Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve (KMTR).

Staff patrolling the Thirukkurunkudi forest stumbled upon an electrified fence around the farm of Annadurai, a local farmer, and promptly alerted the Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation employees, who quickly disconnected the free power supply to the farm.

“We’re on the lookout for Annadurai,” said K. Sekar, Deputy Director, Kalakkad Division, KMTR.

Wildlife, particularly boars, foray into farms close to the Western Ghats, causing extensive damage to crops. Farmers complain that the animals return despite being routinely driven out of their farmland. But officials say fencing the properties with electric barbed wire puts humans as well as wildlife at risk.

It is also an offence under the law.