Increasing elephant attacks in Jhargram have prompted the state government to plan low-voltage electric fencing in vulnerable areas.

On Wednesday, Sunirmal Pal, 46, who entered a forest in Jhargram’s Jambeda to collect sal leaves, was killed after an elephant dashed him on the ground several times.

Since August 24, six persons, including Sunirmal, have died in elephant attacks in Jhargram.

“We are planning low-voltage electric fencing to keep elephants away from hamlets or towns bordering forests. Primary talks on this are over,” said DM Sunil Agarwala.

Foresters said that low-voltage electric fencing is used in north Bengal districts to avoid human-animal conflict. The wires used in fencing are supplied with 12v DC that gives a mild shock to the animal without any threat to life. Sources said the fencing is usually six-foot-high and once an elephant comes in touch with it, it gets a mild shock.

“Installing such fencing is a good idea to prevent elephants from entering the local area as those wires scare the animal once it comes in touch with it. But we have found that in many areas the elephants tear up such wires ignoring the mild shock. So, it is better to dig a trench along with such fencing for better impact,” said a senior forest official in a north Bengal district.

On August 24, three persons were killed by elephants in two different places of Jhargram, including one in Jhargram town. Two more deaths occurred on August 25 and September 4.

Officials in Jhargram said they had installed multiple lights in areas where elephants enter human habitats.

“We have also distributed several torches to the villagers to use when they get out of their homes late at night,” said the district magistrate.