Work begins to erect iron fence for 5km along villages in the forest fringes in Hosur

The Forest Department has begun erecting fence for a distance of 5 km along villages in the forest fringes in Hosur, to prevent straying of elephants.

 The Forest Department has begun erecting fence for a distance of 5 km along villages in the forest fringes in Hosur, to prevent straying of elephants.

“The fence with iron wires and reinforced concrete pillars is a physical barrier for animals and it has proven to be more effective,” says K. Karthikeyani, Wildlife Warden, Hosur Forest Division. 

It was first tested in 2018-19 with kumki elephants in Theppakadu elephant camp in Mudumalai.  Later, a field trial was conducted in Jawalagiri reserve forest here in Hosur forest division, says Ms .Karthikeyani.

The fence would be erected from Melur village in Denkanikottai, in Kullati reserve forest, to Omandanapalli.   

The Forest Department has also dug elephant trenches and set up solar fences. However, solar fences are psychological barriers and elephants being intelligent animals tackle solar fences, says Ms. Karthikeyani.

“This is the first for the country and is part of the plan to erect a 140 km-long physical barrier along vulnerable stretches from Thally, which is part of the Cauvery North Wild Life Sanctuary, up to Udedurgam reserve forests. This will be subject to the availability of funds. Karnataka Forest Department is holding discussions with us to emulate the fencing designed here,” says Ms. Karthikeyani.