Karnataka High Court Issues Directives to Prevent Electrocution of Elephants

The Karnataka High Court has directed the Forest Department to identify and map areas where loose electric fences pose risks to elephants.

This follows the electrocution of the Dasara elephant Ashwathama on June 11, 2024, near Nagarahole Tiger Reserve, prompting the Court to take suo motu cognizance based on media reports.

The Court mandated the implementation of Elephant Task Force recommendations and MoEFCC guidelines on transmission lines, emphasizing underground cabling in eco-sensitive zones.

The court also ordered the removal of illegal electric fences, replacing them with safe barricades, and called for expanded use of AI tools, CCTV, radio-collaring, and public awareness campaigns to protect elephants.