How Many Lives Have Been Lost in Human-Wildlife Conflicts in Odisha?
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Synopsis
In Odisha, a staggering 1,398 lives have been claimed by human-wildlife conflicts over the last decade. This alarming statistic was presented in the assembly by Forest Minister Ganesh Ram Singhkhuntia, highlighting pressing issues surrounding wildlife management and human safety, alongside measures being implemented to address these challenges.
Key Takeaways
- 1,398 lives lost in human-wildlife conflicts over a decade.
- Dhenkanal Forest Division has the highest fatalities.
- Government compensation totals Rs 6,174.68 lakh.
- 5,609 animals have died in the same period.
- Measures include habitat improvement and anti-poaching efforts.
Bhubaneswar, Dec 2 (NationPress) A shocking total of 1,398 individuals have tragically lost their lives due to conflicts between humans and wildlife over the past decade, as revealed by Forest, Environment & Climate Change Minister Ganesh Ram Singhkhuntia in the Odisha Assembly on Tuesday.
In response to a query posed by BJP MLA Akhila Chandra Naik, the Forest Minister indicated that the Dhenkanal Forest Division has experienced the highest number of human fatalities, totaling 251 deaths in the last ten years. The Keonjhar and Angul forest divisions reported 125 and 119 deaths, respectively, during this timeframe.
The Forest Minister disclosed that the state government has disbursed a staggering Rs 6,174.68 lakh in compensation to the families of those who lost their lives due to human-animal conflict in the last decade. Of this, Rs 1,014.20 lakh was allocated to victims’ families in the Dhenkanal Forest Division.
Additionally, it was reported that 5,609 animals, including elephants, tigers, and leopards, have died for various reasons throughout Odisha in the past decade.
Minister Singhkhuntia emphasized that the department is implementing numerous measures, such as enhancing and securing animal habitats, initiating tree planting, creating sufficient pastureland, deploying anti-poaching squads, and improving surveillance of both animal and poacher movements through advanced technology and public awareness efforts.
He also shared statistics from wildlife censuses conducted across different forest divisions and sanctuaries in the state over the past decade. Singhkhuntia reported that Odisha's forests are home to 2,103 elephants, 30 tigers, and 696 leopards during this period. Furthermore, 9.04 lakh olive ridley turtles were recorded at the Rushikulya river mouth, and 6.07 lakh at the Gahirmatha Marine Wildlife Sanctuary in 2024-25.
In the same year, 159 Irrawaddy dolphins and 710 other dolphin species were spotted in the Chilika Lagoon and along the Odisha coast.
Point of View
It's crucial to recognize the challenges posed by human-wildlife conflicts in Odisha. The statistics presented by Forest Minister Singhkhuntia highlight a pressing issue that requires immediate attention and action. The government's response, including compensation and habitat improvements, is a step in the right direction but must be coupled with long-term strategies to ensure the safety of both humans and wildlife.
NationPress
02/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main causes of human-wildlife conflicts?
Human-wildlife conflicts often arise due to habitat encroachment, competition for resources, and increased human activity near wildlife habitats.
What measures is the Odisha government taking to address these conflicts?
The Odisha government is enhancing animal habitats, planting trees, creating pastureland, deploying anti-poaching squads, and improving surveillance.
How much compensation has been provided to the victims' families?
The government has provided a total of Rs 6,174.68 lakh in compensation to the families of the victims over the last decade.
Which forest division recorded the highest fatalities?
The Dhenkanal Forest Division recorded the highest fatalities with 251 deaths in the past ten years.
How many elephants and tigers are reported in Odisha?
According to the latest census, there are 2,103 elephants and 30 tigers in Odisha's forests.
