Minister Confirms 2103 Elephants Residing in Odisha's Forests
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Synopsis
As per the latest elephant census conducted in November 2024, Odisha is home to 2103 elephants. The Forest Minister, Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia, provided this information, revealing details about elephant mortality rates and measures taken by the state government to reduce human-elephant conflicts.
Key Takeaways
- Odisha houses 2103 elephants based on the latest census.
- Elephant mortality averages 81 per year due to various causes.
- Measures are being implemented to minimize human-elephant conflicts.
- The government has initiated programs like “Jan Suraksha & Gaja Raksha”.
- Awareness campaigns and compensation schemes are in place.
Bhubaneswar, Feb 19 (NationPress) A total of 2103 elephants inhabit the forests of Odisha, according to the results of the most recent elephant census conducted in the state during November 2024.
The Minister for Forest, Environment, and Climate Change, Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia, shared this information while addressing a query in the Assembly on Wednesday.
The census revealed that 295 elephants are found in Mayurbhanj district, with Dhenkanal district housing 291 elephants. Additionally, an estimated 254 elephants are present in Angul district.
According to Minister Singh Khuntia, an average of 81 elephants have succumbed each year in the state over the last three years.
The leading causes of elephant mortality include poaching, electrocution, train and road accidents, various diseases, human revenge, and other natural factors such as conflicts, falls, drowning, and aging.
The state government is implementing numerous measures to mitigate human-elephant conflicts, which can lead to human fatalities and property damage.
Efforts include planting fodder trees for elephants, enhancing grazing lands, establishing artificial water bodies, preventing forest fires, setting up anti-poaching camps, conducting forest patrols, monitoring wildlife and poacher movements, and raising awareness through technology.
Moreover, to safeguard crops, orchards, and infrastructure from elephant intrusion, a scheme named “Jan Suraksha & Gaja Raksha” has been launched in villages highly susceptible to encroachment. This program provides incentives for installing solar fences to deter elephants.
The state government has also initiated measures to prevent elephant incursions by constructing elephant-proof trenches. Through the Van Suraksha Samiti (VSS) and the Environment Development Committee (EDC), volunteers known as “Gaja Saathi” are being trained in villages prone to elephant intrusion to keep residents informed about elephant movements.
Singh Khuntia further stated that awareness initiatives are underway to curb the encroachment of wild animals. The government is providing compassionate compensation for damages from encroachments as per established rules.
An accessible portal named “Anukampa” has also been developed for the swift distribution of assistance.
