Another female elephant was found dead on Friday morning in a canal in the Belgaon section of the Titilagarh forest range in Odisha’s Bolangir district, raising fresh concerns over wildlife safety in the state.
According to forest officials, the elephant had entered the area from the Kalahandi forest division a few days ago and was reportedly unwell for nearly eight days. The Forest Department had been closely monitoring the animal’s movement and had made arrangements for its treatment. Despite these efforts, the elephant was found dead in the canal, with officials suspecting that it may have died during the night.
Senior forest officials, including the Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) and the Deputy Forest Officer (DFO) of the Titilagarh range, reached the spot and initiated an investigation to determine the cause of death. Post-mortem examination will provide further clarity.
Bolangir DFO Ajit Bisi said the elephant had strayed alone after getting separated from its herd and that its deteriorating health condition was already known to the department.
The incident comes amid growing concern over elephant deaths in Odisha. As per data shared in the State Assembly, 136 elephants have died across the state in the last one-and-a-half years due to various causes. Electrocution remains the leading cause, followed by disease, train accidents, poaching, retaliatory attacks, and natural factors, while the causes behind several deaths are still under investigation.
