Korba, Mar 27 (PTI) A female bear and her two cubs died after coming in contact with a power line allegedly installed illegally by a state-run electricity transmission company in Korba district of Chhattisgarh, officials said on Friday.
The incident occurred on Thursday in the Kendai forest range under the Katghora forest division, an official here said.
The three animals died on the spot after coming in contact with the 11 kV electric transmission line, according to the forest department official.
Preliminary investigation suggested the wire was installed by the Chhattisgarh State Power Transmission Company Ltd (CSPTCL) allegedly without prior permission, in violation of the Forest Conservation Act, 1980, which mandates approval from relevant authorities for any construction or infrastructure work in forest areas, he said.
According to initial inputs, a thunderstorm in the area may have caused the cable to slump and come in contact with an electric pole. The animals are suspected to have come in contact either with the pole or the live wire.
The matter was under investigation and action will be taken against those found guilty, officials said.
Meanwhile, the Forest Range Officer of Kendai has written to the Divisional Forest Officer of the Katghora division, seeking action against CSPTCL officials in connection with the incident. PTI TKP RSY
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