Why power infra safety measures only for humans, ask Bengaluru activists

Bengaluru: In 2024-25, as many as 37 animals died owing to electrical accidents under Bescom jurisdiction, data accessed by DH shows. 

The number of deaths has increased significantly over the years with nearly a 825 per cent increase in a decade and 68 per cent increase in the last five years. In 2014-15, only four such deaths were reported. 

However, animal activists and rescuers said the numbers could be underestimated and many deaths may not have been recorded.

Low-height switch boxes

Many streetlights have switch boxes at lower levels, making it dangerous for animals, activists said.

“For dogs, these boxes are at eye level and that is dangerous. None of the
officials take animal deaths seriously. Hence, they fail to lay the infrastructure keeping them in mind. While humans can be careful when they see dangerous wires, animals may just step on to them, leading to deaths,” said Priya Chetty Rajagopal, animal welfare activist.

Transformers sans enclosures

Open transformers without enclosures and poor earthing to power infrastructure result in accidents, she said.

“Officials and other citizens respond with concern only when they realise that little children at the same height as poor dogs run an equal risk. Just a few days ago, we saw a dog lying dead inside a transformer enclosure which was kept open”. Live wires and faulty lines are a major problem which result in the death of many birds, rescuers said. 

“We get alerts about many such cases. In many instances, by the time we reach the spot, the animals are dead. This is especially the case with birds,” said Jayanthi Kallam, executive director of Avian and Reptile Rehabilitation Centre. 

Mostly in rural areas

Bescom officials said such cases were mostly reported from rural areas and the numbers were very less in urban areas. 

“In rural areas, animals sometimes step on to live wires while grazing, resulting in electrocution. It is not very common in cities,” a senior Bescom official said. 

Electrocution of goats and sheep is usually reported from rural areas, the official said.

While rescuers said there was not much Bescom could do, activists urged the agency to ensure few basic safety measures related to height of switch boxes and to include enclosures to power infrastructure wherever possible.