National Plant Protection CentreDepartment of Agriculture

Ministry of Agriculture and Forests

Implementation Guidelines for Electric Fencing System

N P P C

Contact address:

National Plant Protection Centre (NPPC)Department of Agriculture

Ministry of Agriculture and ForestsP.O.Box: 670

TEl: +975-2-351016/351665Fax: +975-2-351656

Email: nppcsemtokha@gmail.com

August 2014May 2015 (Reprint Version)

1

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Implementation Guidelines for Electric Fencing System for

(Wild pigs, deer, bear, monkeys, stray cattle)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

NatIoNal PlaNt ProtEctIoN cENtrEDEPartMENt oF aGrIcUltUrE

MINIStrY of aGrIcUltUrE & ForEStSaugust 2014

N P P C

May 2015 (Reprint Version)

18

FOREWORDBhutan has a forest cover of a litt le over 70% and a culti vated area of 2.93% (Bhutan Land Cover Assessment 2010) implying the bio-diversity richness on one hand and the potenti al for human wildlife confl ict on the other. The human wildlife confl ict is evident from the crop losses to wildlife, in some cases being almost 100%. As a result nati onal level debates and discussions were held at various levels of fora resulti ng in policy decisions and implementati on of those policies. A major achievement of the policy decisions is the renewed thrust in the area of R&D for fi nding a sustainable soluti on to the human wildlife confl ict.

As a result of over a decade of R&D focus in fi nding soluti on to the human wildlife confl ict, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forests is now able to successfully launch the electric fencing system (EFS) which is tested as safe for both domesti c animals and wildlife and also for diff erent sized animals. For successfully implementi ng the EFS in the fi eld various agencies and offi cials in diff erent capaciti es need to be involved including the fi nal benefactors, the farmers. Therefore, the roles and responsibiliti es of agencies or offi cials and farmers are being highlighted in the Implementati on Guideline for Electric Fencing System.

The importance of delivering the support required for establishing and maintaining the EFS cannot be over emphasized. However, it needs to be communicated beyond doubt that the roles and responsibiliti es of each stakeholder highlighted under the Guideline needs to be borne with equal responsibility and accountability for assuring the success of the EFS establishment.

In this regard, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forests urges all the stakeholders involved to put in the required individual skill, knowledge and experience and the team spirit towards successful implementati on of EFS. The success of protecti ng crops with the electric fencing system will mean management of human wildlife confl ict successfully in a manner that is protecti ng and promoti ng the natural harmony. It is; therefore, clear that the eff orts made towards successful implementati on of the electric fencing system will accrue more benefi ts than protecti ng crop loss. Let’s all put in all our sincere eff orts. Thanks.

TASHI DELEK!

SECRETARYMinistry of Agriculture and Forests

TASHI DELEK!

SECRETARYMinistry of Agriculture and Forests

2

3

table of contents

1 Acknowledgement 12 Introduction 23 Objectives 34 ImplementationMechanisms 3

4.1 Identificationofhotspotsites 34.2 EligibilityCriteria 44.3 Costsharing 4

4.3.1:MoAF 44.3.2:Thecommunityorindividualfarmer 5

4.4 Installation,repairandmaintenance 55 RolesandResponsibilities 5

5.1 DepartmentofAgriculture(DoA)shall: 55.2 DepartmentofForestandParksServices(DoFPS)shall: 65.3 NationalPlantProtectionCentre(NPPC)shall: 65.4 ResearchandDevelopmentCenters(RDCs)shall: 75.5 TerritorialandParksshall 75.6 Dzongkhag(RNRSector)shall: 75.7 Dzongkhag/RegionalBhutanPowerCorporation(BPC)shall: 85.8 GewogRNRCentresshall: 85.9 LocalGovernment(GewogAdministration)shall: 85.10UserGroups/Beneficiarieslshall: 9

6 Co-ordinationofHWCManagement 96.1 Ministrylevelcommittee 96.2 DzonghagLevelcommittee 96.3 ThetermsofReferenceoftheDzongkhagHWCCommittee 10

7 ProceduresforsubmissionofApplication 108 MonitoringandEvaluation 11ANNEXURE1:EFSImplementationGuidelinemembers 12ANNEXURE2:BPC–Application/agreementFormforef 13

4

1

1 ackNowlEDGEMENt

TheimplementationguidelinesfortheElectricFencingSystem(EFS)hasbeen developed collectively by various stakeholders, and is expectedtoguidetheusersoftheelectricfencingsystematdifferentstepsfromthetimeofdevelopingproposaltofinalimplementationandmonitoringof the system. This guideline is a living document and is subject toimprovement. The guidelines reflect the RoyalGovernment of Bhutanunwaveringefforttocontainwildanimal’sdamageofAgriculturalcropsthroughsystematicapproachof fencingvulnerableareaswithhope tominimizehardshipsfacedbyfarmersguardingcropsagainstwildanimals.

TheElectricFencingSystemisanon-fatalmethodtoguidecropsagainstwildanimals,whichisespeciallyimportantinthecontextofBhutanesereligionofcompassionandnon-killingandwiththePhilosophyofGrossNationalHappinessthatadvocate,amongothers,livinginharmonywithnature and its elements. Wild animals are part and parcel of nature,butwhentheycomeandraidcropsitdeprivesfarmersfromtheirbasiclivelihoodoffoodsecurity.Thus,themiddlegroundwherewildanimalsarenot killedbutprevented fromentering agricultural fieldhas tobefoundandtheEFSrepresentsthismiddleground.

Finally,TheNationalPlantProtectionCentre(NPPC)wouldliketothankallstakeholders(Annexure1)involvedindevelopingandimprovingthisguidelineforestablishingEFS.

2

2 INtroDUctIoNCropdamagebywildanimalsinBhutanisprimarilycausedbywildpig,deer,bear,porcupine,elephant,monkeyandstraycattle.Amongthem,thewildpigandelephanthaveovertakenallotherwildanimals’pesttobecometheoverridingconcernofthefarmer.

Unabletodealwiththesituationandindesperationsomefarmershaveabandoned farming and are seeking alternative sources of livelihood.From the government’s side, the issues have been discussed anddeliberated inmany forumsatall levels,andmanyoptionshavebeenrepeatedlydiscussedandexperimented in thefieldonpilot scale. Forexample, snaring, culling, trapping of wild boars have been tried andprovensuccessfulinareaswheretheyweretried.

Theproblemisthatfarmersarenotwillingtoapplythesemethodsontheirownduetoreligioussentimentsandalsoduetolackofresources.Theotheroptionexperimentedistoerectelectricfencingsystem(EFS)in vulnerableareas topreventwildanimalsentering farms todamagecrops.Aftermorethan5yearsoftestingindifferent locationtargetingdifferentproblemspeciesofanimals,thetechnologyoverallisproventobesuccessful.

TheEFSiseffectiveagainststraycattle,elephant,wildpigandbarkingdeerwhenthereisconstantsupplyofelectricityandismaintainedproperly,butmonkeyscouldfindwaystoenterthefielddespiteelectricfencing.Success of EFS depends on how such fencing is designed, installed,maintainedandmonitoredagainstdifferentwildanimalspecies.

Thismodelofelectric fencingwhich includes importedenergizersandlocallyfabricatedfencesissociallyacceptable,safeandprovensuccessful.ThetechnologyhasalsobeenapprovedbytheBhutanPowerCorporation(PBC), Bhutan ElectricityAuthority (BEA) andBhutan StandardBureau(BSB)forimplementation.

3

This guideline is therefore prepared to facilitate scaling up of the EFStechnology. It is intended towidely promote the technology inmajorhotspot areas. The guideline elucidate roles and responsibilities ofdifferent stakeholders whowill be directly involved in promoting andimplementingEFStechnologytomitigatehuman–wildlifeconflictandinparticulartopreventwildanimalsenteringanddamagingtheagriculturecrops.

3 objEctIvESTheobjectivesoftheguidelineare:

• ToguideimplementationoftheEFStechnology

• TodevelopproceduresforimplementationofEFS

• TocreateawarenessonEFSincludingsafetyaspects

• ToassignrolesandresponsibilitiesofdifferentagenciestoimplementtheEFS

• Tomonitorandevaluateeffectivenessoftheimplementation

4 IMPlEMENtatIoN MEchaNISMS 4.1 Identification of hot spot sites

a) Dzongkhagshouldprepareinitiallistsofseverelyaffectedareas.These areas need to be verified by a team fromDzongkhag(RNRSector)inconsultationwiththecommunity.

b) Based on the assessment, prioritized lists of area should bepreparedasperthefollowingcriteriabutnotlimitedto:

• Historicalincidencesofwildanimals

• Timeandseasonofwildanimalsattack(priorityshouldbegivenwhenattackoccursthroughoutcroppingseason)

• Animal species involved and types of crop damagedincludingextentandseverityofcropdamages

• Numberofdaysguardingthecrop

4

• Areasaffectedinacres

• Susceptiblecrops

• Remotenessofthefarmfromthemainvillagesettlement

• Vulnerableentryandexitpointsofwildanimals

c) Needassessmentincludingcostbenefitanalysis

4.2 Eligibility criteriaa) The beneficiary community or individual farmers should be

willingtosharecostsforinstallationandmanagementofEFSaslaidoutinsection4.3ofthisguideline.

b) Contiguousaffectedareasoncommunityholdingbasis shallbe given preference for installation of EFS. The beneficiarycommunity shall mandatorily form EFS users group withagreed by-laws to govern the management of EFS as persection5.10(a)ofthisguideline.

c) Depending on the severity of problem, individual farmer,located inremoteareasandneartheforestfringescanalsoapplyandareeligible forEFSbutshouldbewilling tosharecostsaspersection4.3ofthisguideline.

d) Community or individual farmer must fill in and abide byIndemnificationFormofBhutanPowerCorporation(Annexure2).

4.3 cost sharingThecostsfortheinstallationofEFSshallbesharedbetweentheMinistry of Agriculture and Forest (MoAF) and the beneficiarycommunity/individual.

4.3.1 MoaF TheMoAFshallprovidethefollowing:a) EFS Equipment and accessories depending on the

availabilityoffund

5

b) TrainingoffarmersoninstallationandmaintenanceofEFS

c) Technical backstopping during initial installation andmaintenance

4.3.2 the community or individual farmerThecommunityorindividualfarmershallbearthecostofthefollowings

a) Collection of fencing poles, transportation and poleerection

b) WagefreelaborduringtheinstallationofEFS

c) Repair,maintenanceandreplacementofenergizers

d) Repair, maintenance and replacement of fencingmaterials

4.4 Installation, repair and maintenance

a) Initial installation of EFS shall be done under supervision oftrainedRNRstaff

b) BeneficiarycommunityandindividualshallrepairandmaintaintheEFS

5 rolES aND rESPoNSIbIlItIESToensuresuccessful implementationand installationofEFSandtoensureproperco-ordinationamongstthestakeholder,therolesandresponsibilitiesareasspelledoutinthefollowing:

5.1 Department of agriculture (Doa) shall:a) Facilitate mobilization of resources (fund and trained

manpower)

b) Co-ordinate EFS activities with Human Wildlife ConflictManagement Co-ordination Unit (HWCMCU) under Wildlife

6

ConservationDivision(WCD)oftheDepartmentofForestsandParkServices(DoFPS)andBhutanElectricityAuthority(BEA)

c) Ensure that electric fence activities are coordinated andmonitoredtimelyandproperly.

5.2 Department of Forest and Parks Services (DoFPS) shall:a) Facilitateandsupportresourcemobilization(fundandtrained

manpower)

b) FacilitateassistancefromParksandTerritorialdivisionsforimplementationofEFS

5.3 National Plant Protection centre (NPPc) shall:a) Co-ordinate implementation of EFS and shall draw up clear

actionplan

b) FormacoreteamoftrainersattheNationalLevelincollaborationwithRDCYusipangandWengkharwhoshallconducttrainingstoRDCscoreteamandtheDzongkhagsstaff

c) Facilitate procurement of EF equipments (energizer, battery,chargecontrollerandsolarpanel)incollaborationwithregionalofficesofDoA,DoFPSandDoL.

d) Providespecification forotherEFSaccessories (GIwire,nails,HDPEpipe,etc.)toDzongkhagRNRsector.

e) EnsurethequalityofelectricfencingtechnologyupgradationandreleaseincollaborationwithBhutanStandardBureau(BSB)

f ) FacilitateelectricfencingtechnologyupgradationandreleaseincollaborationwithRDCs,BPC,BEAandBSB.

g) MonitorandevaluateimplementationofFESandreporttotheDOA.

7

5.4 research and Development centres (rDcs) shall:a) IdentifyfocalpersonsforEFS

b) RDCs shall forma core team for installation,monitoringandevaluationintheirrespectiveregion

c) TheteamshallconducttrainingofGewogExtensionOfficesintheirregionincludingrelevantstafffromtheDzongkhag

d) Provide technical backstopping to Dzongkhag and Gewog intheregionasandwhenrequested

e) Createawarenessintheregionconcerningelectricfenceandsafetymeasures

f ) Monitor and evaluate implementation in their region andreporttotheNPPC

g) Shall conduct R&D on human – wildlife conflict mitigationtechnologies

5.5 territorial and Parks shalla) FacilitateandassistinstallationandmaintenanceofEFS

b) FacilitateresourcesmobilizationforimplementationofEFS

c) Facilitateissuanceofpermitsforfencingposts

d) Createawarenessonelectricfencesandsafetymeasures

e) MonitorandevaluateEFSandreporttoHWCCU

5.6 Dzongkhag (rNr Sector) shall:a) Identifyhotspotsandproblematicanimalspecies

b) Submit annual requirement of number of EFS energizers toNPPCtofacilitatetimelyprovisionofenergizers.

c) Ensure that theGewog Extension Staff and farmers get thenecessarytrainingsfromRDCs,Parks,TerritorialDivisionsandNPPC

8

d) EnsureannualbudgetforimplementationofEFS

e) Procure EFS accessories based on technical specificationprovidedbytheNPPC

f ) MonitorimplementationofelectricfenceactivitiesandreporttoNPPConannualbasis

g) IdentifyfocalpersonforEFS

5.7 Dzongkhag/regional bhutan Power corporation (bPc) shall:a) ProcessapprovalforuseofelectricpowerforEFS(Annexure2:

BPC-Application/Agreementform)

5.8 Gewog rNr centres shall:a) Identifyhotspotsandproblematicanimalspecies

b) Create awareness on electric fencing including safety amongfarmersandcommunities

c) Assist in community consultationand formationof EFSusersgroup

d) Assist in need assessment of EFS and development ofcommunityEFSBye–law

e) FacilitateandassistinstallationofEFS

f ) Providetechnicalbackstoppingtofarmers

g) MonitorimplementationofEFSandreporttoDzongkhag

5.9 local Government (Gewog administration) shall:a) Initiate/facilitatecommunityconsultation

b) PrioritizethehotspotareasandgetitendorsedbytheGewogTshogdue

c) Mobilizeandallocatefundformanaginghumanwildlifeconflictmanagement

9

d) TakealeadroleinmediatingdisputessettlementsbetweenandamongcommunitiesandindividualsrelatedtoEFS

e) Endorse BPC-Application /Agreement Form (Annexure 2) forEFSpoweredbyelectricity

f ) MonitorelectricfencingactivitiesintheGewogtogetherwithGewogRNRstaff

5.10 User Groups /beneficiariesl shall:a) DrawupEFSBye-laws

b) ImplementelectricfenceactivitiesaspertheBye–laws

c) BeresponsibleformaintenanceandrepairofelectricfenceaspertheEFSImplementationGuideline

d) Beresponsibleforreplacementofenergizersoritsparts

e) InitiateApplication/AgreementFormofBPC(Annexure2)

f ) ObtainallothernecessaryclearancesforEFSestablishment

6 co-orDINatIoN oF hwc MaNaGEMENt 6.1 Ministry level committee

a) Human Wildlife Conflict Management Co-ordination Unit(HWCMCU) under the WCD of DoFPS shall provide overallcoordination

b) As an when required, MoAF through Executive Order shallconstituteaTaskForceCommitteetoprovideimplementationpolicyandstrategicguidancetoHWCMCU

6.2 Dzongmkhag level committee TheDzongkhagAdministrationshallformacommitteeandmembershallconstituteafollowingbutnotlimitedto:

10

• DashoDzongdag,Chairman

• DzongkhagAgricultureOfficer,MemberSecretary

• DzongkhagForestryOfficer,Member

• DzongkhagLivestockOfficer,Member

• ChiefForestryOfficer,TerritorialDivision/ProtectedAreas,Member

• BPCRegionalManager/In-charge,Member

6.3 the terms of reference of the Dzongkhag HWC Committeea) Ensureavailabilityoffundthroughannualbudgetprovision

b) ReviewtheprioritizedhotspotareassubmittedbytheGewogTshogdue

c) Facilitate implementation of EFS according to the prioritizedlistsandavailabilityoffundattheGewogandDzongkhag

d) FacilitateapplicationprocessforEFStorespectiveagenciesforfundsupport

e) MonitortheimplementationofEFS

f ) AddressanyotherissuesrelatedtotheimplementationofEFSandHWC

7 ProcEDUrES For SUbMISSIoN oF aPPlIcatIoN a) Thecommunity/individualshallproposerequirementforEFSto

theGewogAdministration

b) TheGewogAdministration in collaborationwithRNRExtensionOfficers will conduct assessment as per the section 4, of thisguidelineandsubmittotheDzongkhag.

c) Based on the feasibility of the EFS installation, the GewogAdministrationshallinitiateUsersGroupFormation,developmentofBye-lawsandotherproceduralrequirement

11

d) Upon fulfillingall the requirements,GewogAdministrationandDzongkhagAdministration can directly procure energiser fromNPPCorAuthoriseddealersforimplementation

e) Privateindividualandcommunitywhowanttoprocureenergizersprivately can directly purchase from Authorised dealers.However, implementationshouldfollowthenormalproceduresof this guideline including the Technical ReferenceManual forInstallationandMaintenanceofElectricFence

f ) IncaseofnonavailabilityoffundattheDzongkhag,theDzongkhagwill compile and forwards the application to potential fundingagencies

8 MoNItorING aND EvalUatIoN a) Monitoringshallbecarriedoutatdifferent levelsasprescribed

underRolesandResponsibilityofthisguidelineandsubmitreporttotheNPPConannualbasis

b) If necessary, NPPC will develop a reporting format includingevaluationandimpactassessment.

12

aNNEXUrE 1: EFS IMPlEMENtatIoN GUIDElINE MEMbErS

1 Dr.Thinley,PlantProtectionSpecialist,NPPC,DoA2 Mr.ChimiRinzin,ChiefAgricultureOfficer,DoA3 Mrs.YesheyDema,ProgramDirector,NPPC,DoA4 Mr.JigmeWangdi,Specialist,RNR-RDC,Yusipang,DoFPS5 Mr.TsheringPenjor,PrincipalResearchOfficer,RNR-RDC,

Wengkhar,DoA6 Mr.TenzingDrugyel,Dy.ChiefAgricultureOfficer,DoA7 Mr.KinleyRabgay,Sr.ForestOfficer,WCD,DoFPS8 Mr.KiranMahat,Sr.PlantProtectionOfficer,NPPC,DoA9 Mr.JigmeTenzin,Sr.PlantProtectionOfficer,NPPC,DoA10 Ms.TsheringZam,ForestOfficer,WCD,DoFPS11 Mr.TshewangNorbu,Sr.ForestRangerII,RNR-RDC,Yusipang,

DoFPS12 Mr.SonamDorji,PPSII,NPPC,DoA13 Mr.LhendupDorji,PPSI,NPPC,DoA

13

aNNEXUrE 2: bPc – aPPlIcatIoN /aGrEEMENt ForM For EF

bhutan Power corporation limitedDistribution and customer Services Department

aPPlIcatIoN / aGrEEMENt For ElEctrIc FENcING

Date:……….........…

TheManagerElectricServicesDivision,Distribution&CustomerServicesDepartment

Sir/Madam,

Wewouldliketorequestfortheelectricfencingconnectionatthelocationdescribedbelow:

(a)District:_______________________(b)Geog:_________________

(c)Village:_________________(d)Nameofarea:__________________

(e)Approximatelengthoffencinginmeter:_______________________ WeherebydeclarethattheCompany’sTermsandConditionsofSupplyofElectricityincludingtheScheduleofTariffsandMiscellaneousChargeshavebeenreadbyme/usandI/Weagreetobeboundbyallthetermsandconditionslaidinhere.

I/Weassure thatall the informationfilled inabovebyme/usare trueandthatweareliableforanyactionbytheCompanyaspersub-clause4.2and25.2ofLowVoltageTerms&Condition,ifanyoftheinformationfilledinareincorrect.

14

I/We hereby declare that through this Agreement, Bhutan PowerCorporationLimited(BPC)shallbeindemnified,andholdharmlessfromanyandallactualorallegedclaims,demands,causesofaction,liabilities,loss,damageandorinjury(tothepropertyortopersonincludingwithoutlimitationtodeath)resultingfromelectricfencinganditsaccessories.

Name:_____________________________________

IDCardNumber:_____________________________

MobileNo.__________________________

SignatureoftheCustomer

[For the group fencing, name and signature on the legal stamp by all the group members must be attached separately]

Affix Legal Stamp

15

I. to bE coMPlEtED bY thE coNcErNED GUP

The area identified by the above applicant/applicants for electricfencing is registered under Tharm number:_____________,Village:_________________________,Geog:______________________

Dzongkhag:____________________________

TheGeogofficedeclarethatBPCshallbeindemnified,andholdharmlessfrom any and all actual or alleged claims, demands, causes of action,liabilities, loss, damage and or injury (to the property or to personincludingwithoutlimitationtodeath)resultingfromelectricfencinganditsaccessories.

SignatureandsealofGup

16

aI. rEcoMMENDatIoN bY thE coNcErNED rNr EXtENSIoN oFFIcEr

(Tickappropriately)

ELECTRICFENCINGIS:REQUIRED NOTREQUIREDFORTHE INDIVIDUAL/GROUP

IfelectricfencingisinstalledfortheaboveIndividual/Group,BPCshallbeindemnified,andholdharmlessfromanyandallactualorallegedclaims,demands,causesofaction,liabilities,loss,damageandorinjury(totheproperty or to person includingwithout limitation to death) resultingfromelectricfencinganditsaccessories.

Theelectric fenceenergizerconformsto theapprovedspecificationasperBhutanElectricityAuthority(BEA)approvalno.BEA/CEO/COM/2011-12/3097datedJune28,2012

The applicant/applicants electric fencing systems was inspected andfoundtobe(tickappropriately)

Satisfactory Unsatisfactoryforleaseofelectricsupply

SignatureandsealofAgriculture/Forest/LivestockOfficers

17

BI. to bE FIllED bY thE bhUtaN PowEr corPoratIoN lIMItED

Theelectricfencingshallbeconnectedfrom:

Meter Number :

Consumer number:

Meter Type & Category :

CT ratio of meter (If CT Oper-ated)

Theelectricwireconnectiontotheelectricfencingenergizerandearthingsystemwascheckedandfoundtobe(tickappropriately)

Satisfactory Unsatisfactoryforreleaseofelectricsupply

Verifiedby:

(NameandSignatureofSupervisor/Engineer)

(NameandSignatureofManager/In-chargewithofficialseal)