Bhubaneswar: Odisha Forest and Environment Minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia on Tuesday informed the House that more than 40 elephants, 5 leopards and 200 wild animals have died in the state between July 1 and November 20 this year.
In a written reply, the minister said that a departmental investigation is underway into the elephant and leopard deaths in the state. So far, 26 people have been arrested in connection with the elephant deaths, while 14 others have been arrested for leopard deaths.
The minister further said that two forest guards and a forester have been suspended for dereliction of duty.
Khuntia also told the house that the Forest Department has undertaken a number of initiatives to prevent the death of elephants and tigers in the state. “Steps have been taken to protect and improve their habitats, plant trees useful as their food, develop grazing land, create artificial reservoirs, deploy squads to prevent forest fires and monitor the movements of poachers, and create public awareness.”
