Odisha’s Elephants in Peril: A Legacy Under Threat

Since time immemorial, it has been the land of elephants. The state’s kings bear the title of Gajapati (lord of elephants), and forests like Chandaka have long served as abodes for these majestic creatures. Yet, today, elephants are dying at an alarming rate, with little accountability for their deaths.

According to Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister Ganesh Ram Singkhuntia, a staggering 888 elephants perished in Odisha over the past 11 years. The causes range from diseases (306 deaths) and electrocution (158) to poaching (33) and train accidents (29). Shockingly, the cause of death for 100 elephants remains unknown.

The current financial year (2024-25) has been particularly devastating, with 97 elephants dead in just 11 months—the highest annual toll in the state’s history. Equally tragic is the human cost: 1,209 people have died in elephant attacks during the same period.

Electrocution remains a leading threat, accounting for nearly 30% of recent deaths. Between April and July 2024 alone, eight elephants died due to electrocution, half of which were deliberate acts. Despite over ₹700 crore allocated to secure power lines, enforcement remains weak. In 2017, five elephants were electrocuted in Dhenkanal due to a sagging wire—one of India’s worst such incidents.

Odisha’s 1,976 elephants (as per the 2017 census) frequently clash with humans as habitats shrink. The state recorded 148 human deaths in 2022-23, the highest in India despite having fewer elephants than Karnataka or Assam. Activists blame the lack of migration corridors, stating, “The government is failing both elephants and people.”

The Orissa High Court recently took suo motu cognisance of elephant deaths, demanding action from the state. Yet, past measures have fallen short. Since 2010, 213 elephants have died due to electrocution, despite a central inquiry recommending preventive steps.

Some global and national conservation models offer hope. In Africa, dedicated anti-poaching units have curbed elephant killings, while in Thailand, successful eco-tourism initiatives provide sustainable habitats for elephants. In India, the Rajaji and Mudumalai National Parks have demonstrated effective coexistence strategies by creating dedicated elephant corridors and strengthening community involvement in conservation. Replicating these measures in Odisha, alongside stricter law enforcement and increased local engagement, could help reverse the crisis.

Odisha’s elephants—once symbols of royal power—now face extinction due to human negligence. Strengthening enforcement, securing power lines, and creating safe corridors are critical. Without immediate intervention, the Gajapati legacy may soon be reduced to a tragic footnote in history.