Karnataka High Court issues directives to prevent electrocution of elephants

Bengaluru: The Karnataka high court has issued a series of directives to prevent wildlife fatalities, particularly elephants dying from electrocution. “Advanced technology, including e-surveillance systems with artificial intelligence and CCTV cameras, should be implemented across wildlife areas. Radio collaring should be utilised to monitor animal movements. Swift legal action must follow for violations of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, Electricity Act, 2003, and related legislation. Forest Department personnel found negligent in elephant deaths should face accountability measures,” a division bench comprising Chief Justice NV Anjaria and Justice MI Arun said while disposing of a suo motu PIL.

The PIL was initiated following news reports of elephant Ashwathama's electrocution death on June 11, 2024. Senior Advocate Puttige R Ramesh provided assistance as amicus curiae.

The bench said that both the state and union government authorities must identify risk-prone areas where sagging power lines and unauthorised electrical fences within elephant territories could cause accidents. “The Chief Conservator of Forests shall establish area-specific investigating committees for different forest circles to regularly assess risk zones. Implementation of task force recommendations and Ministry guidelines dated October 24, 2016, regarding transmission lines through forests must be monitored,” the court said.

The court said there must be collaboration between the forest authorities with the Energy Department. “This is particularly crucial in hilly regions where sagging lines present increased risks. Adherence to National Board for Wildlife's height specifications for varied terrains is essential, requiring continuous maintenance,” the bench said.

The court further said that a robust system has to be developed to identify and eliminate unlawful electrical fences erected by farmers near forest boundaries. “These unauthorised barriers often result in elephant electrocution. Authorities should replace these illegal fences with scientific protective barriers where agricultural fields or residential areas exist. Underground cabling should be prioritised in eco-sensitive zones, with strict adherence to norms for electrical cables and telecommunication towers,” the court said.

The division bench has directed the authorities to conduct awareness programmes to educate rural communities about illegal fencing and elephant conservation. Continuous data collection, alongside regular anti-poaching camps, rapid response teams, anti-depredation camps, and forest patrols, should be maintained in areas prone to elephant casualties, the court said.