In a devastating incident, five elephants, including two calves, met a tragic end on Monday night after coming in contact with a 33-kilovolt (KV) wire in the Musabani forest area of East Singhbhum district, Jharkhand. This marks the third such electrocution incident in the district within the past two months, bringing the toll to a heartbreaking seven.
The unfortunate event unfolded in the vicinity of Upar Banda and Banasol villages of the Musabani block, just days after local villagers noticed a herd of elephants crossing the area. An immediate investigation has been ordered by the district administration to shed light on the circumstances surrounding this alarming series of incidents.
Deputy Commissioner (DC) Manjunath Bhajantri expressed, “Five elephants lost their lives after encountering the 33 KV wire in the Benasol-Upar Banda forest area. The wire, connected to Hindustan Copper Limited, has prompted instructions for a detailed investigation by the forest department. The investigation aims to uncover the reasons behind a low-hanging 33 KV wire, leading to this tragic loss.”
Villagers reported that herds of elephants had been traversing the Jangal and Terenga Panchayats in the block over the past several days. Some also lamented that during this time, the paddy crops in the fields of numerous farmers were ravaged by the elephants.
Divisional Forest Officer Mamata Priyadarshini remarked, “The situation is disheartening, and responsibility is evident as the wire remains entangled with the elephants. A post-mortem will provide a clearer understanding of the complete picture.”
DC Bhajantri disclosed that in the last two months, two elephants had previously succumbed to electrocution by an 11 KV wire in the Chakulia area of the Ghatshila block. He emphasized the need for officials to adhere to prescribed safety standards by maintaining the minimum height of all high-tension wires in accordance with KV loads.
Officials clarified that the 33 KV lines serve as feeder lines, transporting power from one small substation to another, while the 11 KV line extends to local transformers and subsequently reaches residential houses.
