Bhubaneswar, 9 December (H.S.): Odisha has recorded 136 elephant deaths over the past one-and-a-half years—covering 2024–25 and 2025–26 (up to September)—Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Ganesh Ram Singkhuntia informed the State Assembly on Tuesday.

Sharing the detailed breakup, the Minister said that four elephants were killed due to poaching, while another four died in retaliation incidents. A significant number 42 elephants lost their lives to electrocution. Four others were killed in train collisions, while 31 died due to various diseases. Another 31 elephant deaths were attributed to natural causes, and the causes behind 20 deaths are still unknown.

The Minister further informed the House that the state government has taken strict action against those responsible for these deaths. A total of 92 people have been arrested so far, and cases have been registered in connection with the incidents. Continuous monitoring, preventive measures, and enhanced surveillance efforts are underway to curb further elephant fatalities in the state.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda