Argus News - Human-Elephant Conflicts Claim 706 Lives, 432 Elephants Dead In Odisha In Five Years

Bhubaneswar, Mar 24: As many as 706 people lost their lives in elephant attacks across Odisha over the past five years, the Assembly was informed by Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia.

During the same period, 432 elephants died due to various causes, including poaching, electrocution, accidents, retaliatory killings, disease, old age, infighting and calf deaths.

Rising Human-Elephant Conflict
The minister said elephants typically move between forests in search of food and water. During such movement, they often stray into human settlements near forest areas, leading to frequent conflicts that result in loss of life and property.

Forest Encroachment Adds to Crisis
Highlighting another concern, the minister informed that 34,114.50 hectares of forest land across 30 districts are under illegal encroachment. Authorities registered 15,700 cases, and 2,636.61 hectares of land have been cleared so far.

Also Read: Odisha Minister Reveals 14 Dead, 18 Injured In 32 'Ama Bus' Accidents Over Two Years

Mangrove Cover Declines
The Assembly was also told that mangrove plantations in coastal areas declined. While 391 hectares of mangroves were developed in 2024–25, the figure dropped to 189 hectares in 2025–26.

The government aims to expand mangrove forests in vulnerable coastal regions such as Balasore, Bhadrak, Rajnagar, Puri and Berhampur to strengthen protection against cyclones and floods.

The data presented in the House underscores growing environmental challenges and the urgent need for sustainable wildlife and forest management in the state.