The Odisha government reported 27 elephant deaths caused by electrocution over the past five years.
Western Odisha alone accounted for 17 of these fatalities, indicating a critical need for preventive measures in these regions. Alarmingly, the highest number of deaths—11—was recorded in 2024-25.
Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo highlighted the issue in the State Assembly on Wednesday, affirming the government’s commitment to addressing this escalating crisis. The administration has pledged to implement a multi-pronged approach aimed at mitigating elephant deaths, including:
- Strengthening power infrastructure in wildlife-prone areas to minimize the risk of accidental electrocution.
- Conducting regular maintenance of transmission lines to ensure safety.
- Enhancing collaboration between the forest and energy departments for faster response and real-time data sharing.
This initiative signifies a ray of hope for Odisha’s majestic elephants, whose survival faces increasing challenges due to human activity. The government’s focused efforts to tackle the issue bring renewed attention to the fragile balance between wildlife conservation and development.
