Tura, September 9: The death of a Western Hoolock Gibbon reportedly due to electrocution near Tura Peak has triggered renewed demands for replacement of exposed high-tension power lines with insulated cables in wildlife-sensitive areas around Tura.
According to concerns raised by local residents and wildlife stakeholders, repeated requests had been made since 2021 by the Divisional Forest Officer (Wildlife), Tura Municipal Board and villagers of Gandrak, Adinggre and Upper Chandmary for the replacement of bare high-tension wires in the area.
The latest incident reportedly occurred after the gibbon came into contact with a live power line.
The Western Hoolock Gibbon, locally known as “Huro”, is a highly endangered primate and is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act.
Those raising the issue claimed that this was not the first such incident in the area. A female Hoolock Gibbon was reportedly electrocuted at Gandrak Dare in 2023, while several members of the same gibbon family are said to have died in similar incidents over the past few years.
According to the account, a group that once numbered around seven has now been reduced to only two or three individuals.
Concerns were also raised over earlier incidents involving elephants allegedly electrocuted by sagging 11 kV power lines in South West Garo Hills.
The DFO Wildlife was cited as having said that reminders seeking corrective measures were again sent earlier this year, but no action had reportedly been taken.
Following the latest death, demands have been raised for immediate installation of Aerial Bunched Cables or other insulated power lines in the Tura Peak and adjoining Tura town fringe areas.
Those raising the issue have also sought fixation of responsibility under relevant provisions of the Electricity Act and Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, along with publication of an Action Taken Report within seven days.
The incident has once again drawn attention to the risk posed by exposed and sagging electrical lines in areas where wildlife habitats overlap with human settlements and power infrastructure.
There was no immediate response from MeECL cited in the information provided regarding the allegations or the demand for replacement of the power lines.
