Bengaluru: The high court issued a series of directives and recommendations to prevent wildlife fatalities, particularly elephants dying from electrocution. These directions were issued by a division bench comprising Chief Justice NV Anjaria and Justice MI Arun, while disposing of a suo motu PIL last year.The authorities, both state and central govt, must identify risk-prone areas where sagging power lines and unauthorised electrical fences within elephant territories could cause accidents, the bench said. “The Chief Conservator of Forests shall establish area-specific investigating committees for different forest circles to regularly assess risk zones. Implementation of task force recommendations and ministry guidelines dated Oct 24, 2016, regarding transmission lines through forests must be monitored,” the bench added.It also called for collaboration between forest authorities and energy department and emphasised they should inspect and maintain electrical lines at appropriate heights, ensuring elephant safety. “This is particularly crucial in hilly regions where sagging lines present increased risks. Adherence to National Board for Wildlife’s height specifications for varied terrains is essential, requiring continuous maintenance,” the bench noted.A robust system needs development to identify and eliminate unlawful electrical fences erected by farmers near forest boundaries. Authorities should replace these illegal fences with scientific protective barriers where agricultural fields or residential areas exist. Underground cabling should be prioritised in eco-sensitive zones, with strict adherence to norms for electrical cables and telecommunication towers, the court suggested.Continuous data collection, alongside regular anti-poaching camps, rapid response teams, anti-depredation camps, and forest patrols, should be maintained in areas prone to elephant casualties.Dwelling further, the bench said elephant overpasses should be constructed at strategic locations to prevent accidents. “Advanced technology, including e-surveillance systems with artificial intelligence and CCTV cameras, should be implemented across wildlife areas. Radio collaring should be utilised to monitor animal movements. Swift legal action must follow violations of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, Electricity Act, 2003, and related legislation. Forest department personnel found negligent in elephant deaths should face accountability measures,” the bench further noted in their order.The PIL was initiated, following news reports of elephant Ashwathama’s electrocution death on June 11, 2024. Senior advocate Puttige R Ramesh provided assistance as amicus curiae. He submitted there are 27,000 elephants in India, of which around 5,914 to 6,877 are in Karnataka based on an elephant census in 2023.According to him, the reason for reduced number of male elephants is poaching. Their ivories have a high price in the market and are in great demand by smugglers, the amicus curiae submitted.