CHENNAI– Two years after the Tamil Nadu government issued a directive to regulate the use of power fences—including solar-powered ones—to mitigate human-wildlife conflict, farmers and forest officials remain in a state of uncertainty as the regulations are yet to be implemented.
Despite the Tamil Nadu Power Fences (Registration and Regulation) Rules, 2023 being finalized to ensure safety standards—particularly to prevent the electrocution of wild animals—the delay in enforcement has created widespread confusion. Farmers, who are eager to install protective fences around their crops, say they are left without guidance or support, while forest officials struggle to maintain order and safety.
A forest range officer in Coimbatore explained that the rules mandate the use of Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)-certified energizers and adherence to strict installation protocols. “More than 20 farmers in this range alone have applied for permission to install solar fences, but many are worried about the increased costs these regulations would bring,” the officer said.
Across the state, over 80 farmers have submitted applications for fence registration, both under the old system and the newer, yet-to-be-implemented rules. But with no clear communication from the authorities, the process remains stalled.
P. Kandasamy, General Secretary of the Farmers Association, criticized the disjointed coordination between the Forest Department and Tangedco (Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation). “Farmers are not against wildlife protection. But the responsibility cannot fall solely on us. The Forest Department must step up,” he said, demanding a long-term solution to the rising incidents of human-animal conflict.
Farmers also voiced frustration over the lack of responses from officials. A grower in Periyanaickenpalayam said he applied under the new regulations two years ago and has yet to receive any acknowledgment. Another farmer, C. Murugadas from Theethipalayam, questioned the regulation’s fencing limit. “How can 240 meters of fencing protect a 6.5-acre banana plantation from elephants?” he asked. “I’ve already spent ₹4.5 lakh to install 1,750 meters of fencing. If the government could at least offer a 50% subsidy, many of us would be better equipped to defend our livelihoods.”
With no resolution in sight, farmers continue to face mounting crop damage, while concerns grow over the safety of both human communities and wildlife. The prolonged delay in enforcing the power fence regulations risks worsening an already volatile situation. (Source: IANS)
