Recording recurrent deaths of wild animals due to electrocution Maharashtra to adopt ‘solar fencing’

NewsBharati    06-Feb-2018
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Mumbai, February 6: Taking note of recurring deaths of wild animals coming in contact with electric fences, Maharashtra Forest Department is planning to supply low-intensity solar energy at night to 1000-odd villages near forest areas so that fewer animals are killed.

It was decided that solar fencing needs to be promoted across protected forest areas, and especially those reporting animal electrocution deaths. These fences are operated using a battery, which can be charged either through grid or solar power. While solar power has significantly lower intensity, the grid supplies uniform high power.

These electric fences are being put up illegally by famers to protect their agricultural lands.

Forest Department has consulted the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) for powering electric fences and other utilities at a relatively low power so that animal electrocution cases can be controlled.

In 2017, Maharashtra recorded 21 tiger deaths; it is highest in a decade and the second highest in India. Of these, six tigers were electrocuted either purposely or through accidentally, making it is a serious concern for the forest department. Cases have been reported from Chandrapur, Nagpur, Wardha, and two at Bhramapuri, including the death of iconic tiger Jai’s son Srinivas in Nagbhid range in April.