Baripada: In the wake of the tragic death of seven elephants after coming in contact with sagging livewires in Dhenkanal district, a reality check revealed that the animals face a similar threat in various parts of Baripada forest division in Mayurbhanj district.
A report said 11KV and low transmission electricity wires are dangling precariously at 380 places along the elephant movement paths and corridors. Experts lamented that such a hazardous situation prevails due to lack of coordination between the forest and the energy departments.
Both the departments have identified these places through reviews, particularly in Rasagobindapur, Betanoti, Badasahi, Shyamakhunta, Morada and Khunta areas.
As repair of these wires has been ignored, the possibility of major mishaps involving elephants cannot be ruled out, experts said.
Herds of elephants regularly move in and out of the Similipal sanctuary and its foothills on a daily basis. Besides, hundreds of elephants from West Bengal and Jharkhand are found moving in various parts of this forest division.
Baripada forest division is home to over 70 elephants. The pachyderms move in their regular track to various parts. But sagging electricity wires are posing danger to the animals. Last year, a tusker died of electrocution in Betanoti range.
DFO Swayam Mallick said both the forest and energy departments have identified 380 places where wires are dangling. The departments have submitted a joint report to the government, pointing out that repair is required at 147 places, he added.
In view of this threat perception, the energy department has been carrying out repair and maintenance work of on transmission lines in elephant corridors in Deuli and Shuliapada.
Superintending engineer of the electricity division, Rajib Kumar Nayak said, “For repair of electricity lines in the elephant corridors, the department submitted a special report with a plan estimate of Rs 25 crore. A sum of Rs 10 crore has been sanctioned in the first phase and necessary repairs were made with 90 per cent work completed.”
The next phase of repair will be carried out only after funds are released.
Repair work in some important elephant corridors under Baripada division is in progress while some work has been affected due to funds shortage. A report in this regard has been sent to the government, it was learnt.
PNN