TV
The alarming issue of elephant deaths due to electrocution was highlighted in the Odisha Legislative Assembly on Wednesday, with Deputy Chief Minister K.V. Singh Deo revealing that 27 elephants lost their lives over the past five years after coming in contact with live electric wires. The statistics underscore the growing threat to wildlife, particularly in regions prone to human-elephant conflict.
Western Odisha has witnessed the highest number of such fatalities, with 17 elephants’ deaths due to electrocution in the region alone. The Deputy Chief Minister provided a detailed breakdown of the deaths recorded each year.
According to the official report:
2024-25 has already seen the highest number of incidents, with 11 elephant deaths being reported so far.
2023-24 recorded two elephant deaths due to electrocution.
2021-22 also saw two such fatalities while 2020-21 recorded a single incident.
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The rising toll has raised serious concerns among conservationists and wildlife activists, who demand stricter measures to prevent such tragic incidents. Experts have repeatedly pointed out that unauthorized electric fencing, sagging power lines, and illegal power tapping in forested areas are major contributors to elephant electrocution.
The Odisha government has assured that steps are being taken to mitigate the risk, including strengthening power infrastructure in wildlife-prone areas, regular maintenance of transmission lines, and better coordination between the forest and energy departments.
However, with elephant deaths continuing to rise, wildlife experts emphasize the urgent need for stronger enforcement of safety regulations and proactive conservation strategies to protect Odisha’s elephant population.
