Bhubaneswar, 2 April (H.S.): In the past five years, 27 elephants have lost their lives due to electrocution, with 17 of these deaths occurring in western Odisha alone, informed Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo in the State Assembly on Wednesday.

Singh Deo, who also serves as the Energy Minister, was responding to a question posed by Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MLA Arun Sahu. According to the data shared by the Minister, the number of elephant deaths due to electrocution has varied over the years. In 2020-21, there was one reported death, while two deaths occurred in both 2021-22 and 2023-24. However, the highest number of electrocution-related deaths was recorded in 2024-25, with 11 elephants losing their lives.

To tackle this alarming issue, the Odisha government has reaffirmed its commitment to reducing the risk of elephant electrocution. A comprehensive strategy is being implemented, including upgrading power infrastructure in wildlife-sensitive areas to prevent accidental electrocution, ensuring regular maintenance of transmission lines to keep them secure, and fostering greater coordination between the forest and energy departments for effective real-time information sharing and swift action.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda