Bhubaneswar: The growing human-elephant conflict in Odisha has emerged as a major concern, with as many as 443 people losing their lives in elephant attacks over the past three years across 51 forest divisions, according to official data presented in the State Assembly.

Forest and Environment Minister Ganesh Ram Singhkhuntia, in a written reply, highlighted the alarming scale of damage caused by wildlife, including loss of human lives, destruction of property, and crop damage.

Over 500 lives lost due to wildlife attacks, 1,391 injured

During the period, a total of 523 people were killed due to attacks by elephants and other wild animals, while 1,391 individuals sustained injuries. Elephants alone were responsible for 443 deaths.

The conflict has also severely impacted rural infrastructure, with 5,587 houses partially damaged and 1,050 houses completely destroyed. Agricultural losses have been significant, with crops spread across 47,499.12 acres damaged.

Dhenkanal reports highest human deaths, Baripada tops house damage

Among forest divisions, Dhenkanal reported the highest number of human fatalities at 91. Meanwhile, Baripada recorded the highest number of partially damaged houses at 1,326, and Keonjhar saw the maximum number of fully destroyed houses at 154.

264 elephant deaths recorded; poaching claims 447 wild animals

The report also revealed that 264 elephants died in the state over the last three years, with an equal split between natural causes and unnatural reasons such as accidents or human-related factors.

Additionally, wildlife mortality included 4 tigers, 25 leopards, and 1,426 other animals. Of these, 447 deaths were attributed to poaching activities.

3,074 poachers arrested, 1,420 early warning systems installed

Authorities have intensified anti-poaching operations, resulting in the arrest of 3,074 poachers during the same period.

To mitigate human-elephant conflict, the government has installed 1,420 early warning systems across various forest divisions to monitor elephant movement and alert local communities in advance.

The data underscores the urgent need for strengthened conservation strategies and improved conflict mitigation measures, as Odisha continues to grapple with balancing wildlife protection and human safety.