Regarding need for comprehensive measures to address elephant menace in Odisha and provide adequate compensation to the family of victims in the State-Laid

Regarding need for comprehensive measures to address elephant menace in Odisha and provide adequate compensation to the family of victims in the State-Laid SHRI BHARTRUHARI MAHTAB (CUTTACK): I wish to draw the attention of the Government to the alarming rise in human fatalities due to elephant attacks in Odisha. According to data compiled by the Wildlife Society of Odisha from the Wildlife Institute of India?s recent census, Odisha records the highest rate of human deaths in the country?17 per 100 elephants. This figure is substantially higher than Karnataka and Kerala, which, despite having larger elephant populations, report only one death per 100 elephants. Even if Odisha?s own census figure of 2103 elephants is considered, the casualty ratio remains disproportionately high at 7 per 100 elephants. Tragically, since 2019?20, human fatalities have risen sharply, crossing 115, and in 2024?25 alone, touching 171 lives lost. These deaths are not mere statistics?they represent farmers, firewood collectors, and daily wage earners, families losing their breadwinners to a conflict that is escalating year after year. While sensitisation and awareness are important, the scale of the crisis demands urgent intervention. I urge the Government to strengthen mitigation measures, improve habitat management, and provide adequate compensation and rehabilitation for affected families. Odisha?s situation represents a humanitarian and ecological challenge that requires immediate national attention.