Elephant–human conflict continues unabated in Odisha: State reports 45 human & 9 elephant deaths

Shocking figures on elephant–human conflict were tabled in the Odisha Assembly on Tuesday. As per reports, at least 45 people have lost their lives in just four and a half months in the State. During the same period, as many as nine elephants have also died. Of these, seven succumbed to electrocution, one was killed in a train accident, and another fell victim to poachers.

According to the elephant census conducted in November 2024, the state recorded a total of 2,103 elephants, including 21 domesticated ones.

These details were provided in a written reply in the state Assembly by Forest, Environment, and Climate Change Minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia, in response to questions raised by MLAs Kanhai Charan Danga and Ranendra Pratap Swain. 

A couple of days back, panic gripped Ichhapada village under Muribahal Forest Range in Bolangir district after a massive herd of nearly 60 elephants was spotted roaming near farmlands.

The elephants entered the agricultural fields, leaving behind a trail of destruction. Vast stretches of paddy and cotton fields were extensively damaged, pushing villagers into despair.

With such a large number of elephants moving around, residents were too frightened to step out of their homes.