Bhubaneswar: In a major step towards wildlife conservation, the Odisha government has announced plans to construct dedicated shelters for elephants and promote forest farming to ensure their long-term protection.
The initiative aims to create a safer and more sustainable habitat for the pachyderms while reducing human-elephant conflicts in adjoining villages.
Forest, Environment & Climate Change Minister Ganesh Ram Singhkhuntia said on Tuesday that the government intends to plant trees such as mango, bamboo, and jackfruit within forest areas to provide food and shelter for elephants. The move will also support the broader ecosystem by benefiting other wildlife species in the region.
“We are also developing water bodies and promoting paddy farming inside the forests to create a balanced environment for both wildlife and local communities,” Singhkhuntia said while addressing the media.
Highlighting the elephants’ roaming habits, the minister mentioned that these animals typically travel around 40 kilometers daily, spending nearly 18 hours moving through their habitats.
The new measures are expected to accommodate these natural behaviors, providing enough space and resources within the forest areas.
