Bhubaneswar, Dec 9: Odisha has recorded 136 elephant deaths in the last 18 months, according to data tabled in the Assembly by Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia on Tuesday.

Of the 136 elephant deaths reported in the past 18 months, electrocution emerged as the leading cause, accounting for 42 fatalities. Another 31 elephants died due to various diseases, while an equal number succumbed to other natural causes. The state also recorded four cases of poaching and four deaths linked to retaliatory attacks by local residents. Train collisions claimed four more elephants, underscoring persistent gaps in rail-route safety measures. In addition, the cause of 20 deaths remains undetermined, with investigations still underway to establish whether they were accidental, natural or linked to human interference.

The minister informed that 92 persons linked to elephant deaths have been arrested and charge-sheeted, and all cases are under regular monitoring.

166 Hectares of Forest Land Under Encroachment; Over 7,500 Cases Filed
In a separate response, the minister stated that 166 hectares of forest land remain under illegal occupation across the state. To remove these encroachments, the department has filed 7,580 cases, while 16,178.47 hectares have already been freed from encroachers.

Over 21,000 Timber Offenders Arrested in Three Years
Highlighting the scale of timber theft, Khuntia told the House that 21,166 timber offenders have been arrested in the last three years. The state collected Rs 7.45 crore in fines during this period.

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The government also distributed Rs 2.70 lakh as reward money to 385 people who provided credible information on timber smuggling.