In response to a troubling rise in elephant deaths, the Odisha Forest Department has implemented a major overhaul of its wildlife protection strategy. The move comes after the death of over 40 elephants this fiscal year, prompting urgent action to enhance wildlife conservation efforts.

The forest department has reassigned protection squads from individual forest divisions to a more centralized circle-level deployment. This strategic shift aims to bolster the effectiveness of wildlife protection and address the apparent shortcomings in current operations.

In a recent communication to all Regional Chief Conservators of Forests (RCCFs), the office of the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and Chief Wildlife Warden detailed the rationale behind this restructuring. Despite having 397 protection squads stationed across various forest divisions, the rise in elephant fatalities has highlighted deficiencies in both the utilization of these squads and the implementation of standard operating procedures (SOPs).

The letter underscored that while the deployment of these squads has been fundamental to wildlife conservation, there have been significant gaps in leadership and procedural adherence. Specifically, the challenges in tracking elephants and executing protection activities have been noted as areas requiring immediate improvement.

The revised squad deployment strategy is expected to provide a more coordinated and efficient approach to wildlife protection. By centralizing operations at the circle level, the forest department aims to enhance oversight, streamline response efforts, and ensure that the necessary protocols are strictly followed to safeguard Odisha’s elephant population.

This move is part of a broader effort to address the increasing pressures on wildlife conservation in the state. With improved management and more effective deployment of resources, the Odisha Forest Department hopes to mitigate further losses and strengthen its commitment to preserving the region’s rich biodiversity.

As the department initiates this new approach, stakeholders and conservationists are watching closely, hopeful that these changes will lead to a significant reduction in wildlife casualties and foster a more resilient conservation framework in Odisha.