The Forest Department has reiterated that all farmers living in forest-fringe villages must register their power fences and ensure that the fences are installed strictly in accordance with the specifications laid down in the Tamil Nadu Power Fences (Registration and Regulation) Rules, 2023.
On Thursday, a 50-year-old male elephant was found dead in Kadai Eratti, a tribal hamlet under the Onthanai forest beat in the Anthiyur range of the Erode Forest Division. The incident occurred on revenue poramboke land about 900 metres from the reserve forest boundary, owned by V. Ramesh.
A release from the department said forest staff inspected the site and, based on preliminary observations, suspect the elephant to have died of electrocution. The exact cause of death, however, will be confirmed after a detailed post-mortem, to be conducted as per the Elephant Death Audit Protocol.
The power fence at the site was last inspected by a forest patrolling team on November 23 when it was found that a 12-volt battery system with an energiser was used to supply DC current, a setup that does not comply with the standards specified in the 2023 Rules. The farmer was issued a notice, and further action is under way.
In the Erode Forest Division, 645 fences have been identified, of which only 49 have been granted permits under the rules. Many of the remaining fences were found to be non-compliant, and the owners have been given time to rectify them to prevent such accidents.
Forest patrolling teams regularly inspect power fences in villages adjoining forest boundaries, using specialised equipment to ensure that no high-voltage AC current is being used. Despite continuous monitoring, this incident has occurred, the release noted.
The department said every power fence must be fitted with an automatic trip mechanism to disconnect supply in the event of accidental leakage. This is essential to prevent fatal electrocution of wildlife and of people working in agricultural fields. Violations constitute an offence under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, which carries a penalty of rigorous imprisonment ranging from three to seven years upon conviction.
The department has urged all farmers and residents in forest-fringe areas to strictly follow the Rules to ensure the safety of both wildlife and local communities.
Published – December 05, 2025 07:29 pm IST
