The Odisha government has sought four Kumki elephants to train elephants who can be effectively used to lessen human-elephant conflict in the state.

In a letter to Supriya Sahu, additional chief secretary, environment, climate change and forests department of Tamil Nadu, Odisha additional chief secretary Satyabrata Sahu said that Odisha has been facing significant challenges in mitigating human-animal conflicts and Kumki elephants could be effectively used to lessen the conflict.

“Your help in getting trained Kumki elephants would greatly assist us in addressing this conflict effectively and humanely. Kumki elephants can be deployed strategically to help us to manage and drive wild elephants thereby reducing damage to crops, human habitations and the potential loss of both human and elephant lives. These elephants can also be deployed for forest patrolling and rescue operations,” said Sahu.

He said: “Understanding that Tamil Nadu has a successful and commendable programme in place, whereby the Kumki elephants are trained and utilised for wildlife conservation purposes, I would request you to provide us with four Kumki elephants for deployment in conflict-prone areas of Odisha.

“These elephants will serve as an invaluable asset to our state’s wildlife organisation, adding to our effort to minimise conflicts and safeguard both human and wildlife interests.”

The Odisha government has also requested the mahuts taking care of those Kumki elephants also be deputed along with the elephants, for only initial handholding support to Odisha’s local mahuts to get them acquainted with those Kumki elephants.

“In light of the urgency and magnitude of the human-elephant conflict issue in Odisha, I would request your prompt consideration of this proposal. Your support will significantly contribute to our ongoing conservation effort and prove instrumental in mitigating the wildlife conflicts in Odisha,” the letter said.

As per the state government reports, at least 80 elephants die every year in the state which has lost as many as 935 of these pachyderms between 2011-12 to 2021-22. It had raised serious questions about the state’s elephant conservation plan. The highest number of elephant deaths (86) was reported in 2021.

As per the Assembly reports, out of 935 pachyderms killed during the period (2011-12 to 2021-22) 141 elephants died in accidents and 135 died due to electrocution. Similarly, 307 elephants died due to diseases. Poachers killed as many as 48 elephants while 119 died of natural causes. The reasons for the death of another 131 elephants are yet to be ascertained.