BENGALURU: The Karnataka High Court has issued a detailed set of directives aimed at preventing elephant deaths caused by electrocution, urging coordinated efforts between forest and energy departments to safeguard wildlife. The order came from a division bench of Chief Justice N.V. Anjaria and Justice M.I. Arun, while disposing of a suo motu Public Interest Litigation (PIL) initiated in 2023.
The PIL followed the electrocution of an elephant named Ashwathama on June 11, 2024, which sparked public outcry. The court emphasized the urgent need for proactive measures to mitigate such fatalities.
Key Directives:
- Identification of High-Risk Zones: Authorities must locate areas within elephant corridors that are vulnerable due to sagging power lines or illegal electric fences.
- Task Force Monitoring: The Chief Conservator of Forests is to form area-specific investigative committees for different forest circles to assess and monitor these risk zones. Implementation of task force recommendations and MoEF guidelines from October 24, 2016, must be regularly reviewed.
- Collaboration Between Departments: The forest and energy departments are directed to jointly inspect electrical infrastructure, ensuring that lines are maintained at safe heights—particularly in hilly terrain—by adhering to standards set by the National Board for Wildlife.
Infrastructure & Safety Measures:
- Elimination of Illegal Fencing: Unlawful electric fences erected by farmers near forest boundaries must be dismantled. These should be replaced with scientific, non-lethal barriers where farmlands or settlements are near elephant habitats.
- Underground Cabling in Eco-Sensitive Zones: Underground power lines must be prioritized in ecologically fragile areas, with strict adherence to installation norms, especially concerning electric and telecom infrastructure.
Technology and Enforcement:
- Advanced Surveillance Systems: The court called for the deployment of AI-powered e-surveillance systems, CCTV networks, and radio collaring to monitor elephant movements in real time.
- Rapid Response and Monitoring: Regular data collection, anti-poaching and anti-depredation camps, and forest patrols must be maintained in regions where elephant deaths are more frequent.
- Elephant Overpasses: Construction of dedicated elephant overpasses at strategic crossings was recommended to reduce human-animal conflict and avoid accidents.
- Strict Legal Accountability: Violations of the Wildlife Protection Act (1972) and Electricity Act (2003) must be met with swift legal action. Forest department staff found negligent in such cases should face disciplinary proceedings.
Background and Expert Input:
Senior advocate Puttige R. Ramesh, appearing as amicus curiae, highlighted the alarming number of elephant fatalities in Karnataka and India. Citing the 2023 elephant census, he noted that India is home to around 27,000 elephants, with 5,914 to 6,877 residing in Karnataka. He also pointed out the decline in male elephant populations, attributing it to poaching driven by the high black-market value of ivory.
