Bhubaneswar, Jan 22: The Odisha government is set to address wildlife conflicts by deploying trained kumki elephants at key locations, aiming to minimize the risk of both human and elephant casualties.

The State Forest and Environment Department have approached Tamil Nadu to acquire four trained kumki elephants. Tamil Nadu has a successful program utilizing kumki elephants for wildlife conservation.

Satyabrat Sahu, Odisha's Forest and Environment Secretary, has written to his Tamil Nadu counterpart, Supriya Sahu, seeking collaboration. He specifically requested four kumki elephants for deployment in Odisha's conflict-prone areas.

In the letter, he also sought assistance in providing mahouts for the initial support of the State's local mahouts in acquainting them with the trained elephants.

Highlighting the strategic deployment of kumki elephants, Sahu emphasized their role in managing wild elephants, thereby minimizing damage to crops, human habitats, and reducing the risk of both human and elephant casualties. The elephants are also intended for forest patrolling and rescue operations, as mentioned in the letter.

The State Forest Department plans to provide training for the elephants earmarked for deployment in conflict zones.

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