Andhra to use solar fences and trenches to prevent elephant-human conflicts
Andhra to use solar fences and trenches to prevent elephant-human conflicts
Raj Rayasam, The South First
November 26, 2024
In response to the rising number of elephant deaths due to electrocution,
the Andhra Pradesh government has decided to implement solar-powered fences
to safeguard agricultural fields. These fences will deliver enough electric
shock to deter elephants but will be mild enough to avoid killing them.
The state government’s initiative also includes the construction of
trenches around agricultural areas to prevent elephants from entering and
damaging crops. This initiative aims to ensure that the interests of
farmers are protected while ensuring the safety of the elephants.
Additionally, in the wake of increasing reports of elephants trampling
human beings, measures are being taken to send elephants back to their
natural habitat, with the help of elephant trackers.
Human-Elephant Conflict in Chittoor
The TDP-led BJP alliance’s decision to implement these measures comes after
a tragic incident in Chittoor district, where an elephant was killed by an
electric fence set up by farmers. The incident occurred when a herd of
elephants was migrating from the Kuppam area to the Seshachalam forests.
During the journey, one elephant strayed from the herd and was electrocuted
while attempting to enter a field.
Concerned about the recurring elephant deaths due to mishap, the Andhra
Pradesh government has prioritised digging of trenches and the installation
of solar fences as a safer alternative to traditional electric fences.
On Monday, 25 November, Dy CM and Forest and Environment Minister Pawan
Kalyan reviewed the situation with Forest Department officials, urging them
to hasten the process of trench digging and solar fence installation to
deter the elephants from straying into agricultural fields.
Pawan Kalyan asked officials that the trench-digging work be entrusted to
the Panchayat Raj and Rural development department, which could link it to
the ongoing NREGP (National Rural Employment Guarantee Programme) projects.
Tracking the Movement of Elephants
The forest department has estimated that about 123 elephants are currently
moving in the forest ranges of Kuppam, Palamneru and Chittoor. Persistent
tuskers keep entering the fields, which lead to man-animal conflict in the
region.
During the review, forest department officials apprised Pawan Kalyan that
two herds of elephants which were moving in North Andhra’s
Paravtipuram-Manyam were being monitored.
One herd comprises seven elephants while the other has four. The elephant
herds’ movements are being closely monitored by forest department officials
with the help of 50 trained elephant-trackers. The trackers’ role is to
send the elephants back into the forests to prevent undesirable
human-animal conflict.
Andhra Dy CM Pawan Kalyan emphasised to officials the government’s
responsibility to “protect both the lives of farmers and the elephants.” In
this regard, he urged the officials to expedite the implementation of
measures that would ensure the safety of both parties.