Odisha’s Divisional Forest Officers (DFOs) have initiated a thorough investigation into the unnatural deaths of nearly 50 wild elephants reported over the past seven months. The inquiry began on Monday, following directives from Forest Minister Ganesh Ram Singkhuntia.

The minister, expressing grave concern, ordered the detailed investigation two days earlier, describing the situation as “very alarming” and calling for immediate action to safeguard the state’s elephant population. “This level of loss in our wildlife is unprecedented and requires a serious response,” he remarked.

A senior official from the forest department confirmed that investigations have commenced across all 38 forest divisions in the state. The inquiry will examine potential causes, including poaching, habitat loss, and human-wildlife conflicts, to understand and mitigate the factors contributing to these tragic losses.

The state’s elephant conservation efforts have come under scrutiny as wildlife advocates push for stronger measures to protect the endangered species. Further updates on the probe’s findings are expected in the coming weeks.