Pradeep Vennelakanti Tirupati

Farmersacross several mandals of the erstwhile Chittoor district are beginning to see hope after years of crop destruction caused by recurring elephant incursions, with forest authorities rolling out a solar-powered fencing system aimed at keeping herds away from agricultural lands.

For nearly a decade, villages located along forest fringes in Pulicherla, Somala, Sadum, Palamaner, Punganur and Kallur mandals have witnessed frequent elephant movement. The animals often strayed into cultivated fields, damaging crops across vast stretches and destroying farm equipment, leaving cultivators struggling with mounting losses. The persistent threat forced many farmers to either reduce cultivation or shift to less vulnerable farming practices.

In an effort to address the issue, officials of the Tirupati East forest division have installed a hanging solar-powered fence covering nearly five kilometres, stretching from Gantavaripalle village in Pulicherla mandal up to the Kallur ghat road. The project, implemented at a cost of Rs 49 lakh, has been completed and is set to undergo trial operations shortly. Forest authorities noted that a similar fencing system introduced earlier in the Palamaner range had yielded positive outcomes.

Elephant activity has been particularly intense in villages such as Pathapeta, Palem, Devalampeta, Kammapalle, Rayavaripalle, Challavaripalle and Ellankivaripalle. Farmers in these regions reported heavy losses to crops including paddy, tomato, brinjal and banana. Mango orchards and fodder crops were also affected, prompting several cultivators to cut down on agricultural operations due to uncertainty and financial strain.

Forest department officials said the solar fence installed earlier along the forest boundary at Palyam in Pulicherla mandal has begun yielding favourable outcomes. In the month following its installation, elephant herds attempting to enter nearby farmlands have reportedly turned back upon reaching the barrier, providing relief to local farming communities.

Officials explained that the fencing system operates using solar-powered batteries to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply. During summer months, when elephants frequently venture out searching for food and water, power is maintained round the clock. The fence delivers a mild, non-lethal electric shock that deters the animals without causing harm. In the monsoon season, however, the power supply will function between 6 pm and 6 am, aligning with peak elephant movement hours.

Forest authorities expressed optimism that the new measure would significantly reduce human–elephant conflict in the region and help farmers regain confidence in cultivation.