Latest news with #P.Kandasamy
Hans India
23-07-2025
- General
- Hans India
Human-animal conflict: Delay in implementing power fence worries TN farmers
Two years after the Tamil Nadu government issued a Government Order (GO) to regulate the installation of power fences, including solar fences, aimed at protecting wildlife, the corresponding regulation -- Tamil Nadu Power Fences (Registration and Regulation) Rules, 2023 -- is yet to be implemented. The delay has left both farmers and forest officials in limbo, with growing concerns over safety, compliance, and recurring human-wildlife conflicts. The rules were designed to ensure that fences, especially solar-powered ones, meet safety standards to prevent electrocution of wild animals. However, the delay in implementation has led to confusion, especially among farmers who have either installed or intend to install such fences to protect their crops from wildlife intrusion. A forest range officer in Coimbatore said that under the proposed rules, farmers are expected to use Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)-certified energisers and follow strict installation protocols. 'Over 20 farmers in this range have applied for permission to set up solar fences, but many are concerned that adhering to the new norms would significantly increase their costs,' the officer said. According to sources, more than 80 farmers across various ranges have submitted applications -- both under the new rules and the earlier framework -- for solar fence registration. Yet, there has been little clarity or progress from the authorities. P. Kandasamy, General Secretary of the Farmers Association, criticised the forest department's inconsistent approach. 'There seems to be a lack of coordination between the forest department and Tangedco. While we are equally concerned about wildlife, the burden of responsibility cannot rest solely on farmers. It's the duty of the forest department to protect wild animals,' he said, calling for a permanent solution to the human-animal conflict. Farmers also expressed frustration over the lack of response from the forest department. A grower from Periyanaickenpalayam said he applied for registration under the new rules two years ago but has yet to receive any reply. Meanwhile, another farmer, from Theethipalayam, questioned the logic of limiting fencing to 240 metres. 'How can I protect my 6.5-acre banana plantation from elephants with just 240 metres of fencing?' he asked. 'I've already spent Rs 4.5 lakh to install 1,750 metres of fencing. If the government can provide at least a 50 per cent subsidy, many farmers like me will be better equipped to safeguard our crops.' As the delay drags on, both the safety of wildlife and the livelihood of farmers remain at risk, with no clear resolution in sight.
The Hindu
20-05-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Farmers' association in Coimbatore sceptical of installing steel wire fences along forest fringes to prevent human-animal conflict
A farmers' association in Coimbatore has expressed scepticism over the effectiveness of steel wire fences at select stretches of Coimbatore Forest Division to prevent human-animal conflict. Referring to two stretches identified for installation of steel wire fences along a 10-km distance from Thondamuthur in Boluvampatti Forest Range and Thadagam in Coimbatore Forest Range, State general secretary of Vivasayigal Sangam said the Forest Department ought to evaluate the utility of the project rather than implementing it for the sole reason that funds have been sanctioned. A sum of ₹7 crore has been allotted by the Government for the project, it is learnt. While the iron fencing has been found to be useful along the plains abutting the forest, the utility is low at 'bottle-neck' points where wild animal intrusions happen mostly, Mr. Kandasamy said. He referred to the instance of Bannerghatta National Park where, in addition to the different types of physical barriers: solar electric fences, elephant proof trenches, rubble walls, concrete walls, concrete moats, spike pillars spike gates and mesh barriers, the Forest department in Karnataka was also exploring the utility of railway line barrier, by using steel rails from old railway tracks. The August 2024 report of a study carried out under Project Elephant, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India and Wildlife Institute of India, suggesting measures to mitigate Asian Elephant-Train collisions on vulnerable train stretches also throws light on the effectiveness of railway line barrier. The Forest Department had, during April, stalled works on steel wire fencing in deference to a directive of High Court. The petitioner had called for stoppage of the works till elephant corridors are established.
The Hindu
02-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Farmers cultivating Perur Patteeswarar Temple land in Coimbatore seek to halt evictions, demand legal protection
Farmers cultivating agricultural land owned by the Arulmigu Patteeswarar Temple in Perur, Coimbatore, have raised objections to eviction proceedings initiated by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department. The farmers, who hold tenancy records under the Tamil Nadu Agricultural Lands Record of Tenancy Rights Act, 1969, claim they are being wrongly treated as encroachers. The farmers pointed out that a recent directive from the HR&CE Commissioner, dated February 10, 2025, clarified that registered tenant farmers could not be evicted under the HR&CE Act and that such action must follow the Public Trusts Act, which provided legal safeguards including fair rent fixation and dispute resolution through revenue courts. P. Kandasamy of the non-partisan Vivasayeegal Sangham (farmers' association) alleged that while most of the temple's lands were administered under the Public Trusts Act, selective enforcement using the HR&CE Act was being applied to certain plots, which was unfair. He also recalled that in 2023, the Supreme Court had restrained the HR&CE Department from proceeding with auction of Patteeswarar Temple land leased to farmers, observing that cultivating tenants were protected under the Tamil Nadu Public Trusts Act, 1961, and that public auctions of such land were prohibited. The farmers, represented by the association, submitted a petition to the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister seeking the cancellation of eviction orders issued under the HR&CE Act and requested that those already evicted be permitted to return to cultivation, in accordance with the legal framework under the 1969 Act. They also urged the Chief Minister's intervention to ensure that Joint Commissioners and local HR&CE officials strictly adhere to the Commissioner's directive while dealing with temple land under tenancy.
