A total of 246 elephants were killed in the State due to various reasons in the last three years, Forest and Environment Minister Bikram Keshari Arukha informed the State Assembly on Tuesday.
Replying to a question, the Minister said 246 elephants died between 2016-17 and 2018-19 due to accidental electrocution, disease, accidents involving trains and other vehicles, natural and other causes.
He said that as per the 2017 elephant census, Odisha had 1,976 jumbos, including Simlipal forest division’s highest at 330, Dhenkanal (169), Satakosia (147) and Athagarh (115).
Arukha said measures have been taken for protection of elephants. Elephant Reserves have been set up in Mayurbhanj, Mahanadi and Sambalpur to conserve their prime habitats. Besides, the Government has launched various management interventions for elephant protection.
In addition, steps are being taken to restore 14 elephant corridors, plant saplings for the consumption of elephants and construction of water bodies in several habitats.
Measures are also being taken to avoid train accidents and electrocution involving elephants, the Minister added.