After the electrocution of seven elephants in Meghamalai Wildlife Sanctuary in 2018, the Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (Tangedco) has started raising the height of HT lines at 134 spots, identified as low-lying.
In its affidavit to the Madurai Bench of Madras High Court, Tangedco had stated that it would complete the work across the reserve forest within six months.
The High Court suo motu took cognisance of the electrocution of elephants last year.
“We have already completed fixing the situation in 11 spots in the Cumbum East range near Vannathiparai where the tusker died in December last year. We hope to finish raising the line in 26 critical spots by January,” said a senior official from the Tangedco, Theni.
Special poles
He said the Tangedco is using two methods to tackle the problem of low-lying lines. In some areas, it will be erecting ‘Reinforced Steel Joists’, which are special poles, between the height of 30 and 42 feet to raise the height of the lines.
In the second method, additional support would be provided for the existing electric poles by mechanically raising the height of the line or the support beam.
Meghamalai Sanctuary Wildlife Warden S. Kalanithi said that he has made suggestions to the Tangedco in the Gudalur, Cumbum East and Chinnamanur ranges where the frequency of elephant movement was high.
