Odisha mulls wild habitat expansion and food security for elephants

In a pioneering move to address the increasing conflict between humans and elephants, the State government has plans to create dedicated forest habitats to ensure their long-term shelter and food security, Odisha Forest & Environment Minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia informed on Tuesday.

Also Read: Odisha reported 888 elephant deaths in 11 last yrs, highest in current fiscal: Minister

Forest Minister Khuntia revealed, the initiative aims to regenerate forest areas specifically designed to accommodate the needs of elephants. New forest zones will include sustainable food sources like paddy, jackfruit, and bamboo — staples in the elephant diet.

Currently, only 33 percent of Odisha's total land is under forest cover, while the State is home to over 1,800 elephants. The Minister emphasised that this ratio is inadequate to support the existing elephant population, often forcing the animals into human settlements in search of food.

To counter this, the Department is formulating a strategy to expand forests and integrate food cultivation within the habitat zones. The initiative is expected to reduce human-elephant conflict and ensure ecological balance.

The plan marks a significant shift toward coexistence and conservation, aligning ecological needs with sustainable development.

“Certainly, we are going to implement a long-term plan. DFOs (Divisional Forest Officers) in the State have already started their groundwork. After the rainy season, we will start the cultivation of crops such as paddy, jackfruit, and bamboo. Appropriate open spaces will be identified for the purpose,” the Forest Minister expressed.

Worth mentioning, Odisha has reported the death of around 888 elephants in the last 11 years, with the maximum number of 97 deaths occurring till February 2025. The State Legislative Assembly was informed on March 11 this year.

Diseases, accidents, poaching and electrocution were some of the reasons for elephant deaths in the State, the Forest Minister had said in response to a query from BJP legislator Prasanta Kumar Jagadev.