Korba, March 27 A female bear and her two cubs died after coming into contact with a power line, allegedly illegally installed by a state-run electricity transmission company in the 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 into contact with the 11 kV electric transmission line, according to the forest department official.
Preliminary investigation suggested that 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 into contact with an electric pole. The animals are suspected to have come into contact either with the pole or the live wire.
The matter is 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.