Human-Elephant conflict: Govt to construct high-tech solar-powered elephant fences

The government is prepared to allocate all necessary funds for the construction of high-quality elephant fences, regardless of the cost, Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government Prof. Chandana Abeyratne has stated.

The Minister said protecting the lives and property of people affected by the human-elephant conflict, while ensuring their ability to engage in farming activities and live without fear, remains a key responsibility of the government.

He made the remarks during a special discussion held at the Anamaduwa Divisional Secretariat on October 14, focusing on long-term solutions to the human-elephant conflict.

According to the Minister, the government plans to construct high-tech solar-powered electric elephant fences, strengthen existing boundaries and establish field control units to prevent elephants from entering residential and agricultural areas.

He revealed that funds have already been allocated for the construction of an initial five-kilometre section of the proposed elephant fence.

The Department of Wildlife Conservation has been instructed to identify the exact boundaries, determine the required length and prepare a comprehensive cost estimate for the project.

The proposed fence, based on the solar-powered electric elephant fence model in Siyambalanduwa, is expected to be constructed along the banks of Mee Oya and the Kurunegala District boundary.

The Minister explained that existing elephant fences in the area are frequently damaged by elephants, despite daily repairs carried out by Civil Defence Force personnel.

Meanwhile, the government is also implementing measures to improve food and water availability within natural elephant habitats to discourage elephants from entering villages.

These measures include removing invasive plants from the Thabbowa Tank Reserve, renovating 11 tanks in the Galawila Park and restoring the Mahasen Tank near Wanathavilluwa.

The Minister further stated that efforts are underway to safely guide elephant herds, particularly those with calves, back to their natural habitats in the Thabbowa and Wilpattu sanctuaries without causing harm.

Preliminary arrangements are also underway to establish a special control unit in Kottukachchiya to coordinate operations related to the human-elephant conflict.

The Minister emphasised that the government’s ultimate objective is to ensure the safety of communities while protecting elephants within their natural habitats. (Newswire)

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