Barbed fences are increasingly turning out to be death traps for the pachyderms in and around farmlands. The Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (TANGEDCO) has issued a warning to all the farmers near forest areas to stop erecting powerful electric fence that kill wild animals.

The elephants which venture into the farmlands are frequently electrocuted by the fences that are laid illegally. Though the government has directed farmers to lay fence with mild power. But farmers have been violating the norms by erecting fence with high volt.

According to a press release from Chandirashekar, Chief Executive Engineer, TANGEDCO has announced that setting up of electric fence connected directly with the main power source is a criminal offence.

However, it has suggested that the fences can be charged using battery so as to drive the pachyderms away. “Electrocution of a human or animal will warrant imprisonment upto 3 years besides fine,” the release said.

The release also added that the accused should duly compensate for the loss of cattle and in case of a human life should provide compensation to the family of the deceased.