Balasore, June 20: A project planned four years ago to prevent electrocution of wild animals, mainly pachyderms is yet to take off.

Four years ago, a proposal to this effect was cleared following a joint meeting between forest and energy department officials. However, the decision has apparently remained confined within files.

Under the project, there was a plan to bring modifications in the high-voltage supply lines in Sajanagarh area covering the patches of Tinikosia, Ayodhya, Gopalpur and Tenda to prevent electrocution. It was decided that the height of the electrical poles would be raised to nine metres, besides laying insulating wires and installing circuit breakers in the transformers.

An estimate of Rs 4.72 crore was made for undertaking all these measures for north Odisha, which includes Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Bhadrak and Keonjhar districts.

Divisional forest officer Harshbardhan Udgata said: “Our department has placed funds to the tune of Rs 21 lakh about a year ago, but nothing has been done so far.”

“Without implementation of the above measures in the supply lines there is every possibility of electrocution. We would only hold the electricity department responsible in case of any mishap. Further, under the existing circumstances, we have been instructing the department for power cuts in the areas where there is movement of elephants,” he said.

For about two weeks, 23 jumbos have sneaked into Nilgiri forests and are at present residing in Kuldhia sanctuary.

Honorary wildlife warden Jayant Mardaraj said: “There is every chance of electrocution of elephants since the livewires are hanging down and transformers are unprotected. The issue needs to be addressed on a permanent basis.”

“In absence of permanent measures, energy department is resorting to snapping of power. Local residents are aggrieved over the power cuts,” said Rabi Rout, a wildlife lover and local resident.

Superintendent engineer of Northern Electricity Supply Company (Nesco), Braja Sundar Parida, said: “Tender for electrical installation works in Jajpur, Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj was invited and for Balasore it has been finalised.”

The Nesco official said that the forest department had not placed the required funds yet. “Whatever amount received (Rs 21 lakh) is being utilised for Keonjhar district,” he said.