Odisha govt directs discoms to cut-off power during elephant movement

The Odisha government has asked the power distribution companies (discoms) to disconnect power supply in elephant corridors during the movement of pachyderms, said an official on Friday.

The direction of the state government came after it drew flak following the death of several elephants including seven in Dhenkanal district due to electrocution recently.

"The death of elephants due to electrocution in recent times has been a matter of great concern. In this regard it is requested to disconnect power supply in elephant corridors as well as movement areas on getting credible information from Forest Department or any reliable sources regarding the movement of elephants/ wildlife in the said areas," said Energy Department Special Secretary Surajit Das in a letter to the discoms.

Further, it is requested to ensure reconnection of power supply after ascertaining safe exit of wildlife from the said area, he informed.

"This instruction must be followed meticulously and any deviation will be seriously viewed by the government," Das added.

Union Minister of Women and Child Development Maneka Gandhi recently requested Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to take urgent measures to stop elephant deaths in the state.

In a letter, she alleged that distribution companies are being given a free hand in elephant corridors without necessary oversight.

Seven elephants had died of electrocution under Dhenkanal Sadar forest range last month.

(With inputs from agencies.)