The Karnataka High Court has taken a significant step towards wildlife conservation by initiating a suo motu Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning the tragic electrocution of elephants in the state. This judicial action underscores the pressing need for stricter enforcement of wildlife protection laws and enhanced safety measures to safeguard India’s majestic elephants and other wildlife.
The incident that spurred this judicial intervention involved the unfortunate death of Ashwathama, a 38-year-old bull elephant and a renowned participant in the famous Dasara festivities. Ashwathama met his untimely demise after coming into contact with a live wire attached to a solar fence near the Bhimanakatte elephant camp, located in the vicinity of the Nagarahole Reserve. This incident, reported by local media, highlighted severe lapses in safety protocols and negligence on the part of authorities responsible for wildlife protection.
Chief Justice N V Anjaria and Justice K V Aravind of the Karnataka High Court took cognizance of the media report detailing Ashwathama’s death and the conservationists’ concerns about the authorities’ negligence. The court’s decision to treat this issue as a suo motu PIL reflects the judiciary’s proactive role in addressing environmental and wildlife protection issues. It also emphasizes the statutory duty of the authorities to protect Karnataka’s rich biodiversity.
The Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 and various other legislations mandate the protection of wildlife and their habitats. Authorities are tasked with ensuring that measures such as fencing, patrolling, and community awareness programs are effectively implemented to prevent such tragic incidents. However, the recurring incidents of elephant electrocution highlight significant gaps in the execution of these statutory responsibilities.
One of the critical aspects of preventing such incidents is the implementation of safe infrastructure. Solar fences, which are meant to deter elephants from straying into human settlements, need to be installed and maintained with utmost care. The tragic incident involving Ashwathama reveals the dangers posed by improperly managed fences and live wires. It is imperative that these structures are regularly inspected and maintained to ensure they do not become death traps for wildlife.
Conservationists have long raised alarms about the increasing number of elephant deaths due to electrocution. They argue that unplanned and poorly maintained electric fences and power lines are significant threats to wildlife. In addition to calling for better infrastructure, they also advocate for comprehensive land-use planning that minimizes human-wildlife conflict. This includes creating and maintaining wildlife corridors that allow animals to move safely between habitats without coming into contact with human settlements.
The Karnataka High Court’s suo motu PIL serves as a crucial reminder of the need for collective action to protect wildlife. It calls for accountability from authorities and a renewed commitment to implementing effective conservation strategies. Enhancing safety measures, regular monitoring, and community engagement are essential steps towards ensuring the safety of elephants and other wildlife.
The electrocution of Ashwathama is a poignant reminder of the urgent need to address the challenges in wildlife conservation. The Karnataka High Court’s intervention through a suo motu PIL highlights the critical role of the judiciary in environmental protection. It is now up to the authorities, conservationists, and the community to work together to safeguard the future of Karnataka’s wildlife. By strengthening infrastructure, enforcing laws, and raising awareness, we can prevent such tragic incidents and ensure a safer environment for our majestic elephants and other wildlife.
Saathee Global
