Dhenkanal: In a district where dense forests and frequent elephant movement have long made human-wildlife coexistence a daily challenge, a simple yet effective intervention is beginning to turn the tide.
An Early Warning System (EWS), installed across elephant-prone areas of Dhenkanal district, is helping reduce human-elephant conflict and instilling a renewed sense of security among villagers.
With nearly 37% of its geographical area under forest cover and a high incidence of elephant movement, many of the district’s 1,208 villages—spread across 212 gram panchayats—are located along forest fringes. These areas have historically faced sudden elephant incursions, often leading to property damage, fear, and occasional loss of life.
However, the scenario is now changing in villages such as Kurum Tangur, where warning signal towers fitted with sirens alert residents about approaching elephant herds.
“Earlier, elephants would arrive suddenly, and we would be terrified. Now, the siren warns us in advance, giving us time to move to a safe place,” said local resident Sarju Sahu.
Officials said that 160 EWS units have been installed through coordinated efforts between the district administration and the Forest Department. Once elephant movement is detected, sirens are activated immediately, allowing villagers to take precautionary measures such as staying indoors, moving vulnerable family members to safer locations, and securing livestock.
Authorities noted a visible decline in direct confrontations between humans and elephants since the system was introduced. “This is a proactive approach. We are preparing in advance rather than reacting after an incident,” a Forest Department official said.
The initiative has been complemented by awareness drives, especially important in a district with a population of around 11.92 lakh and a literacy rate of 78.8%. Residents are being trained on how to respond to siren alerts—remain indoors, avoid panic, and refrain from provoking animals.
The programme has also adopted an inclusive focus, prioritising vulnerable communities. Scheduled Castes (19.6%) and Scheduled Tribes (13.6%), many of whom live along forest edges and are disproportionately affected by such conflicts, have been key beneficiaries.
In Kurum Tangur, the impact is already evident. Farmers are returning to fields with reduced fear, children are attending school more safely, and nights are no longer marked by anxiety.
While challenges persist due to the unpredictable nature of elephant movement, officials believe the success of the EWS model could pave the way for its expansion to other vulnerable regions in the state.
Blending technology, awareness, and administrative coordination, Dhenkanal’s approach offers a replicable model for mitigating human-elephant conflict—where the sound of a siren is no longer a cause for panic, but a signal of preparedness and hope.
