Save My Habitat: Odisha celebrates 'World Elephant Day' with 12-foot sand sculpture in Puri

On the occasion of World Elephant Day on Tuesday, renowned sand artist and Padma Shri awardee Sudarsan Pattnaik marked the event with a striking sand sculpture on Puri beach.

Theme Highlights Habitat Protection

Observed across the world, Odisha celebrated the occasion with the theme “Save My Habitat”, underlining the urgency of protecting natural habitats for elephants. 

Sudarsan emphasised that elephants play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity, adding that safeguarding their living spaces will also help preserve biodiversity and ensure a balanced environment for the future. His 12-foot sand sculpture of an elephant on Puri beach served as a visual reminder of the message.

Rising Human-Elephant Conflict In Odisha

Deforestation and loss of habitat have increasingly driven elephants towards human settlements in Odisha. This has triggered a sharp rise in human-elephant conflict, posing serious challenges for local communities. 

Over the years, such encounters have led to severe injuries and, in many tragic cases, the loss of human lives. The mounting pressure on elephant habitats has not only threatened the species but has also created significant socio-economic and safety concerns for residents across the state.

Call For Collective Conservation Efforts

Through his sand art and message, Sudarsan Pattnaik called for collective action to protect elephant habitats, stressing that such efforts would help reduce conflict and maintain ecological balance. His appeal comes as Odisha continues to grapple with the consequences of habitat destruction and the pressing need for stronger conservation measures to safeguard both elephants and human communities.