Pic for representation only Gadag: A recent incident in which a peacock and a leopard were electrocuted at a transformer in Kabbinakere village of Chitradurga district has renewed demands for safety measures around electrical infrastructure to protect wildlife. The peacock reportedly flew towards a transformer while trying to escape a leopard. As it came into contact with the transformer, the leopard chasing it was also electrocuted.The incident has highlighted the lack of protective covers around transformers in areas frequented by birds and animals.Prof Lingaraj Niduvani of Mahatma Gandhi Rural Development and Panchayat Raj University, Gadag, who has appealed to the chief minister’s office, chief secretary, energy minister, and forest and environment minister, told TOI that the death of a peacock, India’s national bird, and a leopard due to contact with an electrical transformer was deeply distressing.“Thousands of transformers and fallen electric wires across rural, forest-fringe and agricultural areas in the state lack even basic safety measures. They are becoming daily death traps for wildlife, birds and farmers’ livestock,” he said.He added: “It is a matter of grave concern that animals and birds protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, are losing their lives because of such negligence. In the interest of ecological balance and the protection of voiceless animals, the concerned departments should implement preventive measures on a priority basis.”In response to his representations, officials from the chief minister’s office, chief secretary’s office and departments concerned have forwarded the matter to the relevant authorities for appropriate action.Meanwhile, Anand Babu, a member of Green HBH in Ankasamudra Lake, Vijayanagara district, recalled that several migratory birds had earlier died after colliding with a 33,000 KV power line passing through the lake area.“We mobilised local residents and succeeded in getting reflectors installed on the line. Though it is only a temporary solution, bird deaths have reduced drastically. New technologies are available, and there are rules mandating protective walls, mesh coverings for transformers and the use of insulated cables. However, these rules are often ignored. A forest corridor policy has also been framed to prevent such deaths, but it is yet to be implemented,” he said.Environmental activist and writer Shivanand Kalave said a review of wildlife deaths caused by electric wires and transformers could help identify practical solutions.“No matter how stringent wildlife protection laws are, such accidents will continue if adequate planning is not done for food sources and safe habitats. Elephant deaths caused by contact with electric wires continue to occur. Installing insulated cables could help reduce such incidents. Animals inevitably move around transformers, and we must learn from successful experiments conducted elsewhere,” he said.Forest, ecology and environment minister Ramalinga Reddy said he had assumed charge of the portfolio only recently and would study the issue. “We will take steps soon to protect animals and birds from such incidents,” he assured.Energy minister KJ George was unavailable for comment.
