In a significant move to enhance wildlife safety, the District Administration has decided to raise power transmission lines to standard heights, use insulated cables, and implement wildlife-friendly infrastructure in forest areas. These measures aim to prevent electrocution hazards for elephants and other wild animals. A district-level monitoring committee has been established under the chairmanship of the Deputy Commissioner, including key officials such as the Senior Superintendent of Police, Forest Division Officer, Sub-Divisional Officer, and Executive Engineer of the Electricity Department.
To ensure strict implementation, the state government has formed a district-level monitoring committee, which will oversee the progress and execution of the safety measures. The committee, led by the Deputy Commissioner, includes representatives from key departments responsible for wildlife conservation and power management. The committee will meet monthly to review progress and address any challenges in execution.
The Electricity Department has been instructed to promptly raise transmission lines in forested regions and adopt insulated cables where required. This is essential in reducing fatal encounters between elephants and power infrastructure. Executive Engineers from Jamshedpur, Mango, and Ghatsila Electricity Divisions have been assigned to identify critical areas and execute the necessary modifications at the earliest.
Additionally, the department has been asked to conduct regular inspections to assess the integrity of existing transmission lines and take preventive measures in areas where wildlife movements are frequent. Adequate budget allocations will be made to facilitate these upgrades efficiently.
The District Magistrate cum Deputy Commissioner Ananya Mittal emphasized the need for coordinated action between the Forest and Electricity Departments to ensure the successful implementation of these measures. Forest Divisional Officer Saba Alam Ansari, Sub-Divisional Officer Dhalbhum Shatabdi Majumdar, Rural SP Rishabh Garg, ADC Bhagirath Prasad, and other concerned officials were part of the discussions.
The Forest Department has been tasked with mapping high-risk zones where elephants frequently migrate and providing necessary inputs to the Electricity Department. This information will be used to strategically raise transmission lines and reduce risk areas. Awareness campaigns will also be conducted for local communities to ensure they report any hazardous power lines in their vicinity.
Reaffirming the administration’s commitment to wildlife conservation, the meeting concluded with a comprehensive action plan that includes: Installation of insulated cables in high-risk areas. Raising power transmission lines to ensure elephants and other wildlife can pass safely. Strengthening coordination between the Forest and Electricity Departments for quick resolution of concerns. Implementing early warning systems to monitor and prevent wildlife accidents.
Conducting awareness programs to educate locals on reporting potential dangers to authorities.
The state government has also committed to providing funds for these critical safety measures. The District Administration has pledged to conduct periodic reviews and maintain strict surveillance over the progress of these initiatives. By implementing these proactive measures, the district aims to set a benchmark for wildlife-friendly power infrastructure, ensuring the safety of both wild animals and local communities.
