Bhubaneswar, 12 August (H.S.) On the occasion of World Elephant Day, Odisha Chief Minister extended his greetings to the people of the state and underscored the critical importance of elephant conservation and their deep-rooted cultural and ecological significance.
In his message, the Chief Minister said, “Elephants are a symbol of Odisha’s cultural identity. From Lord Jagannath to the golden legacy of Konark, the presence of elephants is deeply woven into our traditions. Their role in preserving biodiversity is vital, which is why they are rightly known as ‘environmental engineers’.”
He further noted that the health and prosperity of forests depend significantly on the presence of elephants. However, due to various factors, elephant populations are declining globally, and it is a shared moral responsibility to protect them.
Reaffirming the state government’s strong commitment to ensuring a safe future for elephants, the Chief Minister said that several initiatives are underway, including the protection and development of elephant habitats and the use of scientific methods to mitigate human-elephant conflict.
He also mentioned that the government has implemented several impactful measures to ensure the safety of wildlife and promote peaceful coexistence, including an increase in compassionate assistance for affected communities.
The Chief Minister called upon all citizens to unite on this occasion and take a collective pledge to protect elephants India’s national heritage animal and contribute meaningfully to their conservation.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda
