How effective will solar fences be?
Forest Department has set up solar fences in Rangamati and Sherpur to lessen elephant raid on human settlements and crops.
This was done for the first time on an experimental basis.
The 10-kilometre fences, eight kilometres in Rangamati's Kaptai upazila and two kilometres in Sherpur's Nalitabari upazila, have been constructed under a project titled "Wildlife Conservation and Habitat Development".
The fences, powered by solar energy, will send a mild shockwave to whoever comes in contact with it. If any elephant touches the fence, it'll receive a mild shock, which will hopefully keep the animals away from human settlements, forest officials said.
Molla Rezaul Karim, conservator of Forest Departments said at least 10 to 12 people die in elephant raids every year in the country.
"The department spent Tk 1.5 crore for the fences. Our first target is to save people and their assets from elephant attacks and at the same time ensure that the gentle giants' biological activity is not interrupted," he said.
He said they have plans to install another 150 kilometres of such fences across elephant habitats in the country if feasible.
As per The Daily Star records, around 155 elephants died largely by electrocution -- a trap laid by people to save their crops.
Encroachment, deforestation and human activity contributed to the loss of elephant habitats across Chattogram, Cox's Bazar and Sherpur forcing it to raid human settlement in search of food.
Eminent wildlife researcher Monirul H Khan, professor of Zoology at Jahangirnagar University, said if the solar fences are maintained, it will be effective in reducing human-elephant conflicts.
Mahbub Alam, a resident of Kaptai Upazila said, "At least 10 people died so far in elephant attacks this year. Since their habitat's slimming, they always prey upon local markets, taking away rice sacks from grocery shops. Maybe this solar will solve that," he said.
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