Keonjhar, August 12: As deforestation and mining activities continue to expand, wild elephants are increasingly entering human settlements in search of food and shelter. While some elephants fall victim to poaching, others lose their lives in road and railway accidents or due to electrocution.

In a unique initiative to honour a deceased tusker and spread awareness about elephant conservation, villagers of Jali under Jali Gram Panchayat in Champua Block observe World Elephant Day every year at an elephant memorial built on farmland.

The incident dates back to 2009, when a herd of elephants was passing through Jali village. One tusker came in contact with a live electric wire and died of electrocution. The elephant was found dead on the farmland of villager Krushnachandra Naik.

Krushnachandra's mother, Padmini, was deeply moved by the death of the elephant and wanted a memorial to be built in its memory. After her death, Krushnachandra fulfilled her wish and constructed a large elephant memorial at Jali in 2019.

The memorial has now become a symbol of the villagers' deep love and compassion for elephants. It also serves as a reminder of the need to protect the animals and their natural habitat.

Every year on World Elephant Day, villagers and Forest Department officials gather at the memorial to pay tribute to the deceased tusker. They also take a pledge to protect elephants and promote coexistence between humans and wildlife.

The initiative of the Jali villagers stands as an inspiring example of community participation in elephant conservation.