Solar fence plan to stop jumbos’ intrusion

As both taluks are adjacent to the Kaundanya sanctuary in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh, the sizeable elephant population there regularly strays into Vellore district specially during the dry season when lack of water and heat forces the herd to migrate, a source said.   

The proposals include erecting solar fences for 70 km and digging trenches to prevent the animals from crossing over. The proposal also includes desilting trenches already dug. The “trench will be 3 metres wide at the top and one metre wide at the bottom with a depth of 2 metres” Forest officials said.

The modalities of the electric fencing are yet to be worked out. Such fencing has been already installed in some forest areas in the state. “It is the maintenance which is the problem,” they added. Efforts are under way to ensure that the proposed fences are solar powered and do not harm humans. 

During summer, the smell of ripening mangoes attracts pachyderms who then trample crops and occasionally harm humans. Forest officials said, “Last year, the department paid Rs 7.5 lakh as compensation for damaged crops.” The department has raised bamboo and fodder plantations to ensure that elephants consume these and ignore farm crops. 

“It is always the herd which creates problems and panic among locals,” officials said. “Lone elephants can be driven away by either bursting crackers or by Forest Department staff using carbide guns,” they said.