Karnataka HC Issues Slew Of Directions To Minimize The Risk Of Elephants Succumbing To Death By Electrocution
Background: Elephants and Electrocution Risks in Karnataka
Karnataka has a significant elephant population, especially in forested and tribal areas.
Elephants frequently roam outside forests, leading to human-elephant conflict.
One major cause of elephant deaths is accidental electrocution from illegal or faulty electric fences, live wires, or uninsulated electrical installations near forests or agricultural lands.
Such deaths cause not only loss of precious wildlife but also escalate human-wildlife conflicts, as communities often retaliate against elephants.
Judicial Concern: Karnataka High Court on Elephant Electrocution
The Karnataka High Court has been proactive in issuing directives to forest authorities, electricity departments, and local administrations to curb elephant deaths caused by electrocution.
The Court has recognized the urgent need to balance wildlife conservation with local human interests and to ensure enforcement of laws that protect elephants.
Key Directions Issued by Karnataka High Court
1. Inspection and Removal of Illegal Electric Fences
The Court ordered regular inspections in elephant corridors and nearby agricultural lands.
Directed electricity boards and forest departments to collaborate to identify and remove illegal or dangerous electric fencing.
Illegal live wires running through forest areas or elephant paths must be immediately disconnected or insulated.
2. Awareness and Sensitization of Local Communities
Directed the State Government to conduct awareness campaigns among farmers and villagers regarding the dangers of using live electric fences.
Emphasized the use of alternative, wildlife-friendly fencing techniques.
3. Installation of Warning Signages and Safety Measures
Mandated installation of warning boards near electrified zones.
Directed proper insulation of high-tension wires near forest boundaries.
4. Strict Action Against Violators
Forest officials and police were instructed to take prompt legal action against persons installing illegal electric fences.
Monitoring committees to oversee compliance and report on incidents of electrocution.
5. Rapid Response Teams
Establishment of teams equipped to provide immediate medical care or rescue assistance to injured elephants.
Ensuring quick investigation and post-mortem of deceased elephants to confirm cause of death.
Relevant Case Laws and Judicial Pronouncements by Karnataka High Court
Writ Petition No. 789/2019 – Wildlife Protection Society of Karnataka v. State of Karnataka
This PIL was filed after multiple elephant deaths due to electrocution.
The Court acknowledged that such deaths violate the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and are preventable.
Emphasized that the State has a constitutional duty to protect wildlife under Article 51A(g) (Fundamental Duties).
Held that human intervention causing death to protected species amounts to a violation of law and must be prevented.
Karnataka High Court in People for Animals v. State of Karnataka (2021)
Directed the electricity board to undertake a survey of power lines in forest fringe areas.
Ordered the use of non-lethal deterrents and eco-friendly fencing.
Affirmed the principle of co-existence, urging authorities to protect both human and elephant lives.
Legal Framework Involved
1. The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
Elephants are Schedule I animals—highest protection.
Section 9 prohibits hunting, killing, or causing harm to protected animals.
State agencies have a duty to protect wildlife habitat and corridors.
2. The Electricity Act, 2003
Regulates electrical installations.
Requires ensuring safety standards to prevent accidents to humans and animals.
3. The Indian Forest Act, 1927
Protects forest areas and wildlife corridors.
Prohibits unauthorized fencing or constructions that hinder wildlife movement.
Why Are These Directions Important?
Elephant deaths by electrocution are cruel and avoidable.
Elephants are keystone species; their loss impacts ecosystem balance.
Protecting elephants reduces human-wildlife conflict by promoting tolerance.
Prevents economic loss for farmers by promoting sustainable fencing methods.
Strengthens implementation of laws designed to protect wildlife.
Impact and Implementation
The directions led to periodic drives to remove illegal electric fences.
Electricity boards started insulating and rerouting power lines in sensitive zones.
Local communities became more aware and cooperative in protecting elephants.
Forest officials began maintaining incident reports to track and prevent electrocution.
Conclusion
The Karnataka High Court’s proactive and comprehensive approach demonstrates how judicial intervention can protect wildlife while addressing human interests. By issuing detailed directions to multiple government agencies, the Court has helped reduce elephant deaths caused by electrocution, balancing ecological concerns with developmental needs.
This judicial activism is a vital example of environmental and wildlife jurisprudence in India, reinforcing the constitutional and statutory mandates for wildlife conservation.
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