Odisha Launches Awareness Drive in Dhenkanal to Tackle Rising Man-Elephant Conflict

Dhenkanal: In response to a disturbing rise in human-elephant conflicts in Dhenkanal district, where three recent deaths occurred in a single attack in Baghadharia village, the Odisha Forest Department has launched a comprehensive awareness drive aimed at changing local behavior and improving coexistence between humans and elephants.

With more than 200 elephants currently inhabiting the Hindol forest range—the highest concentration in the state—authorities are moving swiftly to reduce fatalities and damage.

Key Measures Announced by the Forest Department

Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Prem Kumar Jha, announced that the District Forest Officer (DFO) and frontline forest staff have been instructed to intensify sensitisation campaigns, including Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) programmes.

“This initiative is crucial to bring about behavioral change among villagers, especially those venturing out early in the morning. Awareness of dos and don’ts can save lives,” Jha said.

On-Ground Action in the Hindol Range

According to DFO Sumit Kumar Kar, over 110 forest personnel and 15 vehicles are now actively patrolling vulnerable zones day and night. To reduce electrocution incidents, the forest department has started joint patrolling with Tata Power, especially during the monsoon.

In addition:

• Over 50 early warning alert units have been installed.
• A district-wide awareness campaign is urging residents to avoid forest areas during dawn and dusk, when elephant movement peaks.
• Efforts are underway to protect paddy cultivation, which is at risk due to increasing elephant intrusion.

ALSO READ| Farmer Killed in Elephant Attack in Dhenkanal’s Hindol Forest Area

Conflict Statistics & Recent Casualties

The Hindol range alone has reported:

• 8 human deaths in 2025 due to elephant attacks
• 2 elephant deaths caused by electrocution
• Regular movement of elephants from Bantala, Talcher, Athgarh, and adjoining forest divisions in Dhenkanal, Cuttack, and Angul

In the wake of the Baghadharia attack, two forest officials were suspended for negligence: Ranger Goutam Pradhan and Forester Lusimita Singh. However, experts argue that punitive action alone is not a sustainable solution.

“Suspending committed field staff won’t solve systemic issues,” said Debabrata Swain, founder of Save Elephant Foundation Trust and former Lokayukta member.

Swain recommended involving local volunteers to lead village-level awareness sessions, which would build trust and foster shared responsibility in wildlife conservation. He also called for a revised compensation model—suggesting minimum support price (MSP) payments to farmers for crop damage instead of one-time grants.

The Odisha government’s latest awareness campaign in Dhenkanal signals a much-needed shift toward community participation, safety, and conservation balance. With the right mix of education, infrastructure, and empathy, the region can begin to resolve one of the state’s most pressing wildlife challenges.

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