Bhubaneswar: On the occasion of World Elephant Day, a state-level programme was organised today at the RMNH Auditorium, Bhubaneswar, under the joint collaboration of the Wildlife Organisation, Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department, Government of Odisha and Save Elephant Foundation Trust (SEFT).
The Minister of Forest, Environment and Climate Change, Labour and Employee’s State Insurance, Ganesh Ram Singkhuntia, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and inaugurated the programme.
On the occasion, Forest Minister reiterated the Government’s commitment to strengthening elephant conservation through a science-based, technology-enabled and community-centric approach. He emphasized on habitat protection, mitigation of human–elephant conflict, improved electrical safety, rapid response mechanisms and greater community participation.
He highlighted the importance of coordinated efforts among government departments, elected representatives, frontline personnel and local communities to ensure the safety of both people and elephants and promote sustainable human–elephant coexistence.
The minister also highlighted that the State Government is exploring all possible avenues to provide accidental death insurance coverage to Gaja Sathis. Committed to their welfare and that of their families, the State Government aims to provide comprehensive social security benefits, including coverage for accidental death, disability, hospitalization, children’s education, daily hospital allowance and family transportation, at a minimal annual premium.
This landmark initiative is aimed at strengthening the social and economic security of Gaja Sathis and mahouts, who work at the forefront of elephant conservation and play a vital role in ensuring human–elephant coexistence.
MLA Ekamra Bhubaneswar Shri Babu Singh and MLAs from different constituencies of Anugola and Dhenkanal districts also participated in the programme and shared their views on elephant conservation and human-elephant coexistence. They included Agasti Behera (Chhendipada), Pratap Chandra Pradhan (Anugola), Ashok Mohanty (Palalahada), Nalini Kanta Pradhan (Athamallik), Shatrughna Jena (Kamakhyanagar), and Bibhuti Bhusan Pradhan (Parjanga).
The MLAs highlighted elephant-related issues in their respective constituencies and provided valuable suggestions for mitigating human–elephant conflict. They appreciated the various public welfare initiatives undertaken by the Wildlife Wing to address human–elephant conflict and improve community welfare in their constituencies. They also assured the Government of their continued support and cooperation in strengthening conservation efforts and promoting the welfare of local communities in the future.
Dr. Debabrata Swain, Founder of SEFT, former Member, Lokayukta and former PCCF & HoFF, Prem Kumar Jha, PCCF (WL) & CWLW, Odisha and Dr. K. Murugesan, PCCF & HoFF, Odisha had attended the inaugural programme and shared their views on elephant conservation and human-elephant coexistence.
Prem Kumar Jha delivered a technical presentation on elephant conservation in Odisha. In his presentation, he highlighted Odisha’s commitment to science-based, technology-driven and community-supported elephant conservation. He outlined the State’s elephant population of 2,103, protected landscapes, technology-enabled conflict mitigation measures, habitat restoration, community participation and strengthened governance, with continued emphasis on securing elephant landscapes, reducing human–elephant conflict and ensuring long-term coexistence.
Under the Anukampa Scheme, PMAY-equivalent assistance was provided to beneficiaries whose houses had been completely damaged by elephants. The initiative reflects the Government’s sensitive and supportive approach towards families affected by human-elephant conflict.
The programme witnessed eminent personalities from the field of wildlife conservation, senior Forest Department officials, scientists, researchers, representatives of voluntary organisations, students and nature enthusiasts. Discussions were held on elephant conservation, human-elephant coexistence, scientific management and public awareness.
Individuals who have made significant contributions to elephant conservation were felicitated, and various awareness publications and information materials were released. In the afternoon, the Radhakrishna Sankirtan Mandali of Kendujhar presented an elephant-themed Sankirtan. This was followed by the screening of an AI video prepared by the DFOs of Anugola and Kendujhar, a musical video, and an Odia video on elephant conservation in Odisha.
The programme was also attended by a diverse group of stakeholders, including local community members, women members, Gaja Sathis, members of Eco-Development Committees (EDCs) and Vana Surakshya Samitis (VSSs), students, researchers, scientists, wildlife enthusiasts, frontline forest personnel, representatives of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), and other conservation partners.
The state-level observance of World Elephant Day served as an important platform for enhancing public awareness about elephant conservation, strengthening human-elephant coexistence, and reinforcing collective commitment towards protecting elephants and their habitats. The programme concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by the RCCF, Bhubaneswar.
