Forest Minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia informed the Odisha Assembly on Tuesday that a total of 1,396 people and 5,609 animals have died due to man-animal conflicts in the state over the last 10 years.
Khuntia, replying to a written query by BJP MLA Akhila Chandra Naik in the assembly, said Dhenkanal forest division recorded the highest number of human deaths, with 251 fatalities between 2014-15 and 2024-25.
Keonjhar forest division registered deaths of 125, while Angul registered 119 deaths, respectively, during the period.
A total of 90 people lost their lives in the Rourkela division, and 81 such deaths were reported from the Baripada division, Khuntia said.
The highest yearly toll of human deaths occurred recently, with 186 fatalities in 2023-24, followed by 175 deaths in 2022-23.
The state government has disbursed a total of Rs 61.74 crore as compensation to the families of those who lost their lives in man-animal conflicts over the past decade, Khuntia said.
He said the government has been improving and securing animal habitats, undertaking tree plantation drives and creating adequate pastureland, and patrolling in forests to prevent such conflicts.
“The government has also deployed anti-poaching squads and enhanced surveillance to monitor movements of animals and poachers through advanced technology and public awareness,” he added.
