Court Urges Action to Protect Slender Loris Habitat from Power Line Hazards

The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has instructed the State to produce a report in response to a petition demanding safer power line solutions around Kadavur Slender Loris Sanctuary. The petitioner highlights the need for insulated cables and protective measures to prevent further electrocutions of the endangered species.

The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has called on the State to submit a report regarding a public interest litigation petition. The petition advocates for the replacement of exposed power lines with insulated, underground alternatives or protective casings in the Kadavur Slender Loris Sanctuary within Dindigul and Karur districts.

A Division Bench, including Justices N Sathish Kumar and M Jothiraman, heard the plea from K Pushpavanam of Madurai. The petitioner emphasized the need for dedicated artificial canopy bridges to ensure safe movement for Slender Lorises across fragmented road networks encircling the sanctuary.

A particular report cited the electrocution of a Slender Loris, stressing the necessity of insulated power lines as a long-term measure to prevent such accidents. The petitioner also requested signage for motorists in Loris habitat areas and advocated for the careful pruning of trees endangering proximity to power lines. The court has set June 22 for further proceedings.