Bhubaneswar, Dec 3: Ganesh Ram Singkhuntia, Minister of Forest, Environment & Climate Change, Labour & Employees State Insurance, has revealed the numbers of deaths of labourers as well as leopards in Odisha.

Responding to a question from Congress MLA Tara Prasad Bahinipati at the ongoing Winter Session of the 17th Odisha Legislative Assembly, Singkhuntia said that 34 leopards have died in Odisha in the last five years.

"From the 34 deaths, 17 leopards have been killed by the hunters, while three died of electrocution and an identical number of leopards have died in rail accidents," revealed the Minister of Forest, Environment & Climate Change.

Responding to a question on Odia labourers' deaths outside Odisha, Ganesh Ram Singkhuntia revealed that 233 labourers, who had gone to other states for work, have lost their lives in the last three years.

"As many as 233 labourers have died while working in other states," revealed the Labour Minister. It's quite common for people to go to other states for labour work.

Revealing the exact numbers, Singkhuntia said, "Among the deceased labourers, 43 were from Ganjam district. It's the highest compared to other districts in Odisha." 

In addition, he said that Balangir is also not far behind as 26 people from the district, who had gone outside of Odisha for labour works, have lost their lives. 

"From the 233 deceased, 199 bodies have been brought back to their respective homes," revealed Ganesh Ram Singkhuntia.

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