MADURAI
A veterinary doctor attached to the Forest department conducted the post-mortem of two elephants that were found dead in Venniyar Reserve Forest Range of Meghamalai Wildlife Sanctuary, and ascertained the cause of death to be electrocution on Tuesday.
S. Kalanithi, Wildlife Warden, Meghamalai Wildlife Sanctuary, said the two female elephants – one aged between seven and nine years, and the other between 10 and 12 years – died about two days ago at Tower Saragam in Cumbum East region.
“The elephants came into contact with extra high voltage transmission lines and died. We have written to TANGEDCO to correct the line running very low. But work is yet to begin,” he said.
Three elephants have died of electrocution in the same spot in the last three months.
Environmentalist N. Arunshankar from Oddanchatram, who has filed a public interest litigation in the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court regarding poaching in Meghamalai range, said there was gross negligence on the part of the Forest department. “Why have no precautionary measures been taken over the electricity lines?” he asked.
Mr. Kalanithi said a meeting would be conducted in Madurai on Wednesday with the Chief Conservator of Forests to discuss permanent solutions to the issue. “We have already identified six vulnerable spots in the range and written to TANGEDCO. The height of the line which is currently at seven feet will be increased to 20 feet,” he said.