Haridwar: Electric lines running through forests in Uttarakhand are emerging as a grave threat to elephants. Over the past 25 years, 53 elephants have died from electrocution after coming into contact with live wires hanging or running near their paths.
The latest case, in the Haridwar forest division adjacent to Rajaji Tiger Reserve, has finally pushed the forest department into action.
A 25–30-year-old tusker was found dead near the Ganga Canal in Bahadrabad, Haridwar. Forest officials confirmed the elephant died of electrocution after coming in contact with a high-tension power line.
The area lies within an elephant corridor, and locals have urged authorities… pic.twitter.com/tEY0tQt26S
— Kumaon Jagran (@KumaonJagran) October 15, 2025
Many elephant corridors pass through 12 forest divisions
The state has 12 forest divisions that host elephants, spread over 6,643.5 square kilometers. Many traditional elephant routes cross power lines, roads, and railway tracks. These intersections between elephant habitats and human infrastructure are proving fatal — especially when power lines are poorly maintained or uninsulated.
Forest department has written to UPCL
In the newest incident, forest officials say an elephant died after touching a live wire. Taking this as a warning, the forest department has written to the Energy Corporation and Pitkul (the agency controlling power infrastructure) demanding urgent measures. The proposals include tightening loose wires, installing barbed wire fences around poles, and regular inspections of lines passing through forest zones.
State Chief Wildlife Warden R. K. Mishra confirmed that forest staff will also undertake more frequent patrols and immediately report any damaged or dangling wires to power companies. He emphasized that any delay can cost more lives.
14 elephants died from electrocution in the past six years
A breakdown of recent years shows how recurrent the problem has become. In the past six years alone, 14 elephant deaths have been recorded due to electrocution. In 2025 so far, 4 deaths have been confirmed; in 2024, 2; in 2023, 2; and in 2022 and 2021, 2 each. Local conservationists warn that if nothing is done, more elephants — already under threat from habitat loss and poaching — will fall victim to infrastructure hazards. They point out that many power lines criss cross forest edges without adequate insulation or necessary safety measures.
Villagers also report seeing dangling wires and exposed poles
Villagers living near forest areas also report seeing dangling wires and exposed poles. They fear for both wildlife and human safety, especially during rainy or stormy seasons when lines may sag or break.
The forest department’s move to write official notices is a start, but experts say more is needed:
Power agencies must re-route high-voltage lines away from animal corridors.
Insulation of wires, use of underground cables in sensitive stretches, and wildlife-safe pole designs should be fast-tracked.
Community awareness and local monitoring can help detect hazards early.