523 Killed, 1,391 Injured in Wild Animal Attacks in Odisha in 3 Years

Bhubaneswar: At least 523 people have lost their lives and 1,391 others have been injured in attacks by wild animals, including elephants, across Odisha over the past three years, Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister Ganesh Ram Singkhuntia informed the Assembly on Tuesday.

Replying to a written question by BJP legislator Padmalochan Panda, the minister said 175 deaths and 408 injuries were reported in 2022–23. The numbers increased to 186 deaths and 445 injuries in 2023–24. In 2024–25, 164 people were killed and 538 others injured in such incidents.

According to official data, the Dhenkanal Forest Division recorded the highest number of fatalities at 92 during the three-year period, followed by Angul Forest Division with 54 deaths. Other divisions reporting significant casualties include Keonjhar Forest Division (52), Baripada Forest Division (36), Sambalpur Forest Division (34), and Bonai Forest Division (33). Odisha has a total of 43 forest divisions.

In terms of injuries, Keonjhar Forest Division reported the highest number at 155, followed by Dhenkanal Forest Division (113), Khurda Forest Division (87), Redhakhol Forest Division (77), Khariar Forest Division (66), and Deogarh Forest Division (65).

The minister also informed that 264 wild animals died in the state during the period, including 132 due to unnatural causes. Among the wildlife deaths were four Royal Bengal tigers, 25 leopards, and 1,426 other animals. Of the total, 447 deaths were attributed to poaching, he added.

Further details are awaited.