Solar fencing to curb human-elephant conflict

[Mrudul Godbole]

Surely this seems to be a better option than live electric wires leading to elephants getting killed. However, is it a solution?

Solar fencing to curb human-elephant conflict
PTI | Jan 1, 2012, 07.41PM IST

BERHAMPUR: The Odisha government has decided to use solar fencing in
Ganjam district to curb incidents arising out of a conflict between humans and elephants.

In the first phase, a five-km stretch would be fenced near Narayani jungle under Khallikote forest range to prevent entry of jumbos into human habitats by using a permissible amount of electric shock.

"The work for solar fencing will start after the elephant herds are driven away from Ganjam block," divisional forest officer, Berhampur, AK Jena, said.

At least 22 elephants divided into three to four herds are now camping in Damanagiri forest in the block, he said.

The affected areas are the four blocks of Chhatrapur, Khallikote, Beguniapada and Ganjam.

The government has already sanctioned Rs five lakh and has assured the rest of the amount for the fence which will cost a total of around Rs 10 lakh, he said.

Solar fencing at other entry areas used by the animals would be made after assessment of this project, he added.

A meeting was held by the Sub-Collector, Chhatrapur, Jena and members of the coordination committee over the weekend to review the loss caused due to elephants who stray into human habitat.

While at least seven persons have died, four pachyderms have been killed in the last three years in the area due to such conflicts.

[Sabyasachi Patra]

There are a few NGOs in India who are promoting this as a solution. Unfortunately, Solar fencing is not a solution.

You are just shifting the problem. Agricultural fields have come up in the migratory corridors and other wilderness areas and people in their misguided belief are trying to cultivate crops that they shouldn't. Wish the root cause is tackled than trying to attack the symptoms.