Bhubaneswar: In a proactive move to address the persistent challenge of human-elephant conflict in Odisha, the state government has formally requested Tamil Nadu to lend assistance by providing four kumki elephants. Satyabrata Sahu, the Additional Chief Secretary of the Forest, Environment, and Climate Change department, recently communicated this request to Supriya Sahu, his counterpart in Tamil Nadu.
In his letter, Sahu acknowledged Tamil Nadu’s successful use of kumki elephants for wildlife conservation and sought their support for Odisha. The deployment of these specially trained elephants aims to mitigate conflicts between humans and elephants in prone areas. Kumki elephants can be strategically utilized by the Odisha Forest Department to manage and redirect wild elephants, minimizing damage to crops, human settlements, and potential threats to lives. Additionally, they can play a crucial role in patrolling and rescue operations in forested regions.
Recognizing the expertise involved, the Odisha government also urged Tamil Nadu to send mahouts along with the kumki elephants. Sahu emphasized that these mahouts could provide essential initial support to local mahouts in Odisha, facilitating the seamless handling of the trained elephants.
This collaborative effort between Odisha and Tamil Nadu highlights a proactive approach to wildlife conservation and managing human-wildlife conflicts, ultimately contributing to the well-being of both communities and wildlife in the region.