Dikhyaa Mohanty 
Given the notable rise in the elephant population, the Odisha government has stepped up its efforts to safeguard the protection of these animals and avoid needless deaths. The state has taken a number of steps to protect its elephant population, which increased by 127 over the course of seven years, from 1,976 in 2017 to 2,103 in 2024, according to Forests, Environment, and Climate Change Minister Ganesh Ram Singkhuntia.
The Minister listed a number of proactive steps in answer to questions from BJD lawmakers Dhruba Charan Sahoo and Prasanna Acharya in the Odisha Assembly on Tuesday. Three designated elephant reserves have been established in the districts of Mayurbhanj, Mahanadi, and Sambalpur. Additionally, 14 historic elephant pathways have been identified and maintained to allow for safe migration.
The government is implementing programs including habitat enrichment, edible-grade tree planting, grazing field development, artificial water body creation, and forest fire protection in an effort to stop unnecessary fatalities. Using specialized squads, patrolling the forest, and employing cutting-edge technology to keep an eye on poachers and animals are all examples of anti-poaching techniques.
The government is also doing extensive programs to raise local residents’ awareness of elephant mobility. An ex-gratia payment of ₹6 lakh is given to the victim’s family in the regrettable event that human fatalities result from elephant encounters. The government’s all-encompassing strategy demonstrates its dedication to protecting Odisha’s elephant population and resolving issues brought on by conflicts between people and animals.
