Bhubaneswar, March 18: Over the last four years, 344 elephants have died in Odisha, with 15 fatalities due to accidents and 23 from poaching, Forest Minister Ganesh Ram Singhkhuntia informed the Assembly.

The remaining deaths were caused by natural factors and other reasons.

The districts of Dhenkanal, Keonjhar, and Mayurbhanj recorded the highest number of deaths, with 53, 42, and 39, respectively.

The state has reported 93 elephant deaths in 2022-23, 66 in 2023-24, and 105 in 2024-25, with 80 deaths already in the current fiscal year.

To tackle this issue, the government has implemented measures such as enhanced patrolling, anti-poaching squads, the Gajasathi program, and the use of modern technology to track elephant movements and combat poaching.

A joint task force and coordination with various departments are also in place to strengthen wildlife protection.