In the Ganjam district of Odisha, India, poachers are using homemade electrocution tripwires made from power lines to kill elephants. Of the 295 elephants poached so far this year in Odisha, 61 have died as a result of electrocution.

Wildlife officials believe that electricity has spread to rural areas without any supervision by Odisha’s electric companies. Several remedies have been given to electric companies, including building taller, more insulated power lines, to help ensure the elephants’ safety. Another suggestion has been cutting off power to areas with large elephant populations during strategic migratory periods.

We ask to you hold energy officials responsible. While it may be the responsibility of wildlife officials to prosectute poachers- it is the electric company's duty to prevent poaching wherever possible and provide the service safely.

Ministry of Finance

Director Mr. Nilaya Mitash

Room No. 48-D, North Block

New Delhi, Delhi - 110001

India

Tel: + 91 11 2309 2387

Fax: 011 91 11 2309 2387

EMail: nilaya.mitash@gmail.com

Ministry of Environment and Forests

Joint Secretary, Hem Kumar Pande

Paryavaran Bhawan, CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, Room No. 627

New Delhi, Delhi - 110003

India

Tel: + 24 36 2551

Fax: 011 24 36 0894

EMail: hempande@nic.in