Elephants electrocuted in Orissa

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*Sagging live wire killed jumbos

*Thursday October 19 2006 12:09 IST

 

BHUBANESWAR: The Wildlife Wing of the State Government has decided to take

the electricity authorities to task for the death of three elephants in

Rairakhol division of Sambalpur district on Tuesday.

 

The investigation report, submitted by the Conservator of Forests (Sambalpur

Circle), has ruled out any foul play, Chief Wildlife Warden S C Mohanty

said.

 

It's now beyond doubt that the three elephants were electrocuted after they

came in contact with a sagging 11 KV electricity line, he told *this

website's newspaper* on Wednesday.

 

An adult male and two female juvenile elephants were found dead on Tuesday

at Girishchandrapur village near Naktideul.

 

Mohanty said deliberate electrocution has been ruled out since the 11 KV

supply line was sagging.

 

As per the Indian Electricity Rule, 1956, there should be a ground clearance

of 4.6 metre for bare 11 KV lines and 4 metre for insulated ones.

 

" In this case, the ground clearance was just 2 metre which indicates

non-maintenance of the supply lines. We will initiate criminal proceeding

against those responsible for the negligence. The officials responsible for

maintenance would be taken to task, " the Chief Wildlife Warden said.

 

After investigation, it was found that the male elephant had a ring-shaped

injury mark around its neck caused by electric shock. The two juveniles had

injured their trunks.

 

Since the adult elephant was about 8-ft high, its neck apparently got

entangled in the drooping live wire.

 

The other two were electrocuted while trying to pull the male member out of

trouble. In fact, the 11 KV supply line runs from Naktideul to Doincha.

 

The area, where the incident occurred, has not seen movement of elephants in

the past 10 to 12 years.

 

However, on Tuesday, a herd of 12 elephants was seen passing through the

area.

 

Mohanty said there are elaborate guidelines for ground clearance of supply

lines as per the direction of the Supreme Court.

 

All the State agencies too had been issued a fresh circular in 2005 by

Central Electricity Authority.

 

The Wildlife Division has already issued instruction to all its divisional

offices to bring to the notice of local electricity authorities incidence of

sagging.

 

" If no action is taken within 15 days, we'll initiate appropriate action, "

Mohanty informed.