Chief Conservator of Forest, Madurai Circle, Debasis Jana on Wednesday said the department had suggested various methods to Tamil Nadu Transmission Corporation (TRANSCO) to prevent further deaths of elephants in Meghamalai Sanctuary.
Two elephants, aged between seven and 12 years, died of electrocution on Monday, taking the toll of pachyderm deaths to five within a span of three months. All the elephants met their end at the same spot at Tower Saragam in Cumbum East Range of Venniyar Reserve Forest.
Speaking to The Hindu, the officer said the department had called for insulation of the extra high voltage transmission lines throughout the sanctuary. “We have suggested insulating the lines, increasing the height of the tower and putting intermediate towers to prevent any more deaths. We have also asked the electricity board to explore the option of ensuring that the cable ducts flow underground,” he said.
Activists however, pointed out that it was appalling that the Forest department, till date, had not created any intermediate preventive measures.
While one official of the department conceded that no effort had been made to cordon off the area, another senior officer said notices were issued to Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (Tangedco) on June 18 and September 9, after each successive death.
“The issue is repeatedly raised at every meeting with the district administration. Tangedco officials suggested blasting of rocks in the terrain to provide a steep elephant pathway. This, however, cannot be permitted by the Forest department without permission from the National Board for Wildlife. TRANSCO has been pressured to address the issue,” they said.
Mr. Jana said the matter had been taken up with higher authorities and immediate steps would be formulated to ensure that such accidental deaths were prevented.