Odisha records 50 unnatural elephant deaths in 2024
Forest minister orders probe
By : Akshaya Kumar Sahoo
Update: 2024-11-04 05:06 GMT
Bhubaneswar: Disturbed by the death of nearly 50 elephants in 2024, Odisha forest minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the rising trend of unnatural elephant deaths across the state.
In a press statement, the forest department outlined minister Khuntia’s directive for a detailed inquiry into the matter. The minister addressed a letter to Satyabrat Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary of forest, environment and climate change, voicing deep concern over the alarming rate of elephant fatalities.
Khuntia expressed disappointment over the state's struggle to curb these losses, despite ongoing conservation measures.
“This matter, as circulated by media, is gravely concerning. Additional preventive steps are essential to address the threat these magnificent creatures face,” the minister stated. He highlighted existing protective initiatives, such as the deployment of Gaja Sathis (elephant guards) and Rapid Action Teams, which were introduced to monitor and respond to incidents threatening the elephant population.
However, the minister called for heightened diligence and accountability from forest officials, asserting that their vigilance is crucial for the success of these protective measures.
“Ensuring a safe habitat for elephants is a priority, and it is imperative that any negligence within our ranks is addressed. Officers who fail to uphold their responsibilities must not go unpunished,” he emphasised.
The minister directed division-wise investigations into each incident of elephant mortality reported in 2024, mandating that any officials found responsible face strict repercussions. He ordered that a comprehensive report on the issue be submitted within a month to enable swift corrective actions.
The grim statistics from the All-Odisha Elephant Census-2024 add weight to the urgency. The census reports a total population of 2,098 elephants across 38 Forest Divisions, comprising 313 adult tuskers, 13 adult makhna (tuskless males), 748 adult females, 148 sub-adult males, 282 sub-adult females, 209 juveniles, and 385 calves. The census also revealed that 13 Wildlife Divisions in Odisha currently report no elephant presence.
With this inquiry, Odisha hopes to address and curtail the factors contributing to the unnatural deaths, ensuring the continued protection of its elephant population.
In a press statement, the forest department outlined minister Khuntia’s directive for a detailed inquiry into the matter. The minister addressed a letter to Satyabrat Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary of forest, environment and climate change, voicing deep concern over the alarming rate of elephant fatalities.
Khuntia expressed disappointment over the state's struggle to curb these losses, despite ongoing conservation measures.
“This matter, as circulated by media, is gravely concerning. Additional preventive steps are essential to address the threat these magnificent creatures face,” the minister stated. He highlighted existing protective initiatives, such as the deployment of Gaja Sathis (elephant guards) and Rapid Action Teams, which were introduced to monitor and respond to incidents threatening the elephant population.
However, the minister called for heightened diligence and accountability from forest officials, asserting that their vigilance is crucial for the success of these protective measures.
“Ensuring a safe habitat for elephants is a priority, and it is imperative that any negligence within our ranks is addressed. Officers who fail to uphold their responsibilities must not go unpunished,” he emphasised.
The minister directed division-wise investigations into each incident of elephant mortality reported in 2024, mandating that any officials found responsible face strict repercussions. He ordered that a comprehensive report on the issue be submitted within a month to enable swift corrective actions.
The grim statistics from the All-Odisha Elephant Census-2024 add weight to the urgency. The census reports a total population of 2,098 elephants across 38 Forest Divisions, comprising 313 adult tuskers, 13 adult makhna (tuskless males), 748 adult females, 148 sub-adult males, 282 sub-adult females, 209 juveniles, and 385 calves. The census also revealed that 13 Wildlife Divisions in Odisha currently report no elephant presence.
With this inquiry, Odisha hopes to address and curtail the factors contributing to the unnatural deaths, ensuring the continued protection of its elephant population.