Spike in illegal electric fences turns deadly: 24 lives lost in a year

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala has witnessed a worrying surge in deaths caused by illegal electric fences, with 24 fatalities reported between April 2024 and March 2025 — a sharp rise from 16 the previous year. Palakkad district continues to be the worst affected, accounting for 10 deaths, followed by Thrissur (5) and Malappuram (3), according to data from the State Electrical Inspectorate (EI).

Chief Electrical Inspector Vinod G highlighted that many farmers install makeshift electric fences without approval to prevent wildlife intrusion. “If a certified energiser is used, which costs around ₹10,000, the fence can be made safe and non-lethal,” he said. Such energisers emit controlled pulses and are approved by the EI, unlike the illegal fences which are often connected directly to KSEB lines.

Authorities are particularly concerned about fences used by poachers to trap wild boars. In many tragic cases, even the fence owners have died after forgetting to disconnect the power. Surveillance remains difficult as these fences are usually set up in remote, forest-bordering regions.

The EI is pushing for government action through micro-level monitoring committees and promoting the use of insulated cables in forest fringe areas. They also aim to raise awareness about the dangers of using iron rods or ladders near power lines — a cause of 22 deaths last year, double the previous figure.

In total, 241 people died in electrical accidents in 2024–25, up from 205 the previous year. Palakkad remains the most accident-prone district for the fifth year running.

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