Alarm bells in Jharkhand as 5 elephants are electrocuted, 7 deaths in past 2 months

The incident occurred in the area of Upar Banda and Banasol villages of Musabani block days after a herd of elephants was noticed crossing the area by the local villagers.

An investigation has been ordered by the district administration.

Deputy Commissioner (DC) Manjunath Bhajantri said, “Five elephants died after they came into contact with the 33 KV wire in the Benasol-Upar Banda forest area. The wire was going to the Hindustan Copper Limited and I have instructed forest department officials to conduct a detailed investigation into the incident. After investigation, it will be clear how and why there was a low-hanging 33 KV wire.”

Officials said the villagers told them that in the last several days, herds of elephants were roaming in Jangal and Terenga Panchayats in the block.

Divisional Forest Officer Mamata Priyadarshini said, “It is a sorry state of affairs and it is clear which department is responsible here as the wire is still stuck to the bodies of the elephants. A post-mortem will be conducted and then we will come to know the complete picture”.

Bhajantri he had “asked the officials to maintain the minimum height of all high-tension wires as per KV loads”.

Officials said the 33 KV lines are feeder lines used to install power from one small substation to another.