784 elephants have died in Odisha in last 10 yrs: Forest Minister

A total of 784 elephants have died in different forests of Odisha during the last 10 years. This was informed by State Forest and Environment Minister Pradip Kumar Amat in the State Assembly on Wednesday.

Responding to a query, Amat said as many as 179 pachyderms died unnaturally due to train and road accidents, electric shock, poaching and various diseases.

As per the Minister, stern action has been taken against the forest officials responsible for unnatural death of the elephants. 

“Cause of some elephants’ death in the State is yet to be ascertained and investigation into those cases is going on,” said Amat.

The Minister also said despite the high number of deaths, the jumbo population has increased in the State. As many as 135 elephants have been added to the total number of jumbos in Odisha in the last 15 years.

This apart, the Minister informed the House about various steps taken for the conservation and protection of elephants in the State.