To avoid man-animal conflict, Uttar Pradesh tiger reserves will now have solar-powered fences

Now, solar fencing will be installed on the outer wall of buffer zones of UP tiger reserves in order to keep man-animal conflict in check. The move, by Uttar Pradesh forest department, will keep animals from entering areas with humans.

The solar fence will be used to give a "very light shock" to any animal attempting to cross the boundary. For the installation of the same, with the assistance of locals, spots with reported incidents of man-animal conflict will be identified. These will be fenced first.

The trial run will commence with the buffer zone of Dudhwa Tiger Reserve (DTR) and then at Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary (KWS).

The efforts are being done to save lives that are lost frequently to animal attacks. About the solar fencing, a senior official explained, "These fences will be solar-powered and the level of shock will be very low and shall only surprise the animal."

“Life has no cost, hence, we aim to reduce conflict to save lives in the first place. In fact, forests are for wild animals, hence, if we have to live with wild animals in the forest area, we need to avoid conflicts," they said further.

The state encompasses four tiger reserves currently — Dudhwa National Park, Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, Amangarh Tiger Reserve and Ranipur Tiger Reserve. At the moment, Uttar Pradesh has the presence of some 173 tigers.