In a bid to prevent wild elephants from straying into human habitations, the Forest department has installed compact electronic devices know as ‘Farm Guards’ along the forest boundary at the Aralam Farm Rehabilitation Centre in Kannur. The devices, with sensors, emit loud alarm sounds and intense flashing lights when elephants approach, forcing them to retreat.
Installed as part of efforts by the Aralam Task Force, with the support of the Rapid Response Team (RRT), the devices are aimed at addressing recurring incidents of elephants entering inhabited areas. Officials said the decision followed successful trials of the system in other locations.
Baiju Paul Mathew, chairman of the Aralam Task Force, said earlier methods of driving elephants away often proved ineffective. The animals destroyed solar fencing using woods. “The device was tested successfully in Vadakanadu in Wayanad, where elephants used to raid paddy crop. Following the success, it was was decided to install them at Kottapara in Block 13,” he said.
He said with the support of the RRT, vulnerable points were identified and nine devices had already been installed and two more would be installed in the coming days.
He said each device weights about 2.5 kg and was equipped with three speakers and high intensity lights on all four sides. The sensors in the device could detect the presence of elephants within a range of 15 m and they will then emit sounds that are unpleasant to the animals along with piercing flashes of light prompting the animals to withdraw. The system can emit different deterrent sounds for various animals. The sound will also alert people about the presence of elephants.
He said each of the solar-power devices cost around ₹10,000 and several of them were bought with the support of sponsors.
Published – January 22, 2026 04:55 pm IST
