Three Sloth Bears Electrocuted After Live 11 kV Power Line Falls in Chhattisgarh Forest

A Chhattisgarh bear electrocution incident has sparked fresh concerns over wildlife safety after a female sloth bear and her two cubs were killed by a live 11 kV power transmission line that snapped and fell inside a forest area in Surajpur district , officials said on Sunday. The deaths have prompted an inquiry into possible failures in power infrastructure and wildlife protection mechanisms.

The incident occurred on Saturday near Parvatipur village under the Pratappur forest range. According to forest department officials, the high voltage cable passing through the forest broke and fell to the ground while electricity continued to flow through it. The mother bear and her two cubs came into contact with the live wire and died on the spot.

Officials said one carcass was severely charred because power continued flowing through the fallen line. Sparks from the cable also triggered a forest fire , damaging nearby shrubs and vegetation before authorities secured the area. Forest personnel reached the site, conducted a preliminary assessment and sent the carcasses for post mortem examination.

Initial findings indicate that strong winds and a thunderstorm may have caused the transmission line to snap. However, investigators are examining why the line remained energized after falling to the ground. The forest department has sought a detailed report from the electricity department and said further action will be based on the inquiry findings.

The tragedy has renewed attention on wildlife deaths linked to electrical infrastructure in forested regions, with conservation experts calling for improved monitoring systems, automatic power shutoff mechanisms and stronger safeguards in biodiversity rich habitats across India.