Bhubaneswar: A total of 443 people have died in elephant attacks across Odisha over the last three years, Forest, Environment & Climate Change Minister Ganesh Ram Singhkhuntia informed the state assembly on Tuesday.
In a written reply to a question by Baramba MLA Bijaya Kumar Dalabehera, the minister said that between 2022-23 and 2024-25, 1,050 houses were completely destroyed and 5,587 houses were partially damaged due to elephant incidents. In the same period, 47,499.12 acres of crops were also affected.
Singhkhuntia added that no boundary lines have yet been marked in the state’s identified ‘Elephant Corridors.’
“Arrangements have been made for the protection and enrichment of wildlife habitats, plantation of trees for elephant food, development of grazing lands, creation of artificial reservoirs, anti-poaching camps, forest walks, monitoring of wildlife and poacher movements using technology, awareness campaigns, and deployment of elephant protection and damage control teams,” the minister said.
Other measures include digging trenches in sensitive areas, construction of rock walls and observation towers, and provision of solar-powered fences at subsidised rates under the “Jana Surakhya–Gaja Rakhya” scheme. Members of the Vana Samrakshana Samiti (VSS) and Environment Development Committee (EDC) are also involved in spreading awareness and providing on-ground support.
Currently, 1,420 early warning systems are operational across Odisha forests to monitor elephant movements and alert nearby communities.
The state government has reiterated its commitment to reducing human-elephant conflict through a combination of technology, community involvement, and habitat management, while ensuring the safety of both villagers and wildlife.
