Even as deaths of elephants due to electrocution are being reported often, the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) funds are not made available for strengthening electrical infrastructure in forests, thanks to the Central guidelines governing the scheme.

While Odisha has been given the highest fund of Rs 5,933.89 crore under the CAMPA till date, it doesn’t include any allocation for creating electrical infrastructure in the forest areas. The State has been asked to spend the funds for protection of nature and natural resources and for various developmental works.

While in 2018-19 a total of 93 elephants died due to various reasons, 24 of them were electrocuted and 15 died in accidents.

Under this backdrop, the Energy Department has undertaken various initiatives to curb electrocution of elephants. But it still requires Rs 550 crore for improvement and strengthening of electrical infrastructure, as per the proposals of the distribution companies.

The department has proposed to the Forest and Environment department to release the required amount from CAMPA Funds.

But old rules governing CAMPA does not allow its funds for strengthening electrical infrastructure.

Under this backdrop, the Ministry of Forests and Environment and Climate Change has been requested to make necessary changes in rules and allow CAMPA funds for improvement of electrical infrastructure in elephant corridors to check untimely deaths of elephants.

While the State Government and MPs have placed the demands, bureaucratic wrangling is delaying the process, said senior officials. The Centre framed the CAMPA with an intention to conserve nature and its natural resources amidst the various development works. Accordingly, funds should be made available for protection of elephants from electrocution and these wild animals can be saved from any such accidents, said a senior officer engaged in distribution of power in an elephant corridor.