THEBUSINESSBYTES
BUREAU
BERHAMPUR,
JANUARY 21, 2026
TP Southern Odisha Distribution
Limited (TPSODL) has intensified its commitment to environmental stewardship by
launching a comprehensive wildlife protection and anti-poaching initiative
across forest and crop-field areas of Southern Odisha. The programme underscores
TPSODL’s integrated approach to sustainability — balancing reliable power
distribution with the protection of fragile ecosystems and wildlife.
As part of proactive measures to
enhance wildlife safety and curb illegal poaching, TPSODL has undertaken
large-scale upgradation of its electrical infrastructure in forest and
forest-fringe zones. Bare conductors are being systematically replaced with
insulated conductors, while Distribution Transformer (DTR) fencing is being
installed to prevent accidental contact by wild animals. These interventions
significantly reduce the risk of electrocution and eliminate vulnerabilities
often exploited for illegal activities.
Recognising that unsafe and illegal
electrical practices are sometimes adopted in rural and forest-adjacent areas
to protect crops from wild animals — often leading to serious accidents — TPSODL
has strengthened collaboration with the Forest Department through regular joint
patrolling. This coordinated effort enables closer monitoring of vulnerable
locations, quicker response to emerging risks, and improved awareness among
local communities on wildlife protection and electrical safety.
Regular joint patrols by TPSODL and
Forest Department officials are being conducted across identified high-risk zones.
Beyond preventing illegal electrical hooking and poaching, these patrols act as
a strong deterrent through visible inter-departmental coordination, marking a
new benchmark in cooperation between power distribution utilities and forest
protection agencies in Southern Odisha.
To ensure systematic implementation
and continuous improvement, TPSODL participates in monthly review meetings held
alternately with the Divisional Forest Officers of Ghumusar North and Ghumusar
South Divisions in Ganjam district. Attended by senior officials — including
DFOs, Assistant Conservators of Forests (ACFs), TPSODL Superintending
Engineers, Executive Engineers, and Section Heads — these forums review
patrolling outcomes, assess emerging challenges, and plan future interventions.
The initiative has already delivered
encouraging results across multiple locations. Communities in Jagannath Prasad,
Tilising, Soroda, Kanteipali, Khetriya Barapur, Belaguntha, and Badagada are
experiencing safer forest and crop-field environments. In Ganjam district,
areas under the Aska region, Hinjilicut, and Seragada blocks have been covered,
while similar efforts have extended to Chakapada block in Kandhamal district.
Special drives have also been carried
out in Koraput and Rayagada districts, focusing on preventing illegal
electrical hooking in and around forest areas. These efforts aim to protect
wildlife, local communities, and forest personnel, while strengthening
inter-departmental enforcement and public awareness on the legal consequences
of unsafe electrical practices. Areas including Laxmipur, Kakirigumma,
Dashmantpur, and the Gunupur Sub-Division have benefited from these
interventions.
Alongside enforcement and
infrastructure upgrades, TPSODL is driving extensive awareness programmes at
the grassroots level. Community meetings, Nukkad Nataks (street plays), and the
distribution of Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials are
being used to sensitise villagers on wildlife conservation and electrical
safety. The company is also leveraging social media platforms in local
languages to amplify outreach and encourage responsible community
participation.
Commenting on the initiative, Amit
Kumar Garg, Chief Executive Officer, TPSODL, said, “At TPSODL, we believe
development must go hand in hand with environmental protection. By
transitioning from bare to insulated conductors, raising community awareness,
and working closely with the Forest Department, we are taking concrete steps to
safeguard wildlife in our operational areas. This reflects our long-term
commitment to a greener, safer, and more sustainable future for Southern
Odisha.”
TPSODL plans to further expand the
programme across its operational geography. Through continued infrastructure
modernisation, sustained joint patrolling, and deeper community engagement, the
company aims to play a proactive role not only as a power distributor but also
as a responsible steward of Southern Odisha’s natural heritage — ensuring
safety and sustainability for both wildlife and communities.
