Rising Human-Elephant Conflicts Claim Record 628 Lives in 2023

Human-elephant conflicts led to 2,853 human deaths over the past five years, peaking at 628 in 2023. The Indian government provides technical and financial aid for wildlife management, emphasizing coordinated actions to mitigate conflicts. States have identified conflict hotspots and are implementing agroforestry practices to deter wildlife.

Human-elephant conflicts have resulted in 2,853 human deaths over the past five years, reaching a five-year high of 628 fatalities in 2023, according to government data.

In response to a Rajya Sabha query, Union Minister of State for Environment Kirti Vardhan Singh disclosed that elephants were responsible for 587 human deaths in 2019, 471 in 2020, 557 in 2021, 610 in 2022, and 628 in 2023.

Odisha recorded the highest number of deaths with 624 during this period, followed by Jharkhand with 474, West Bengal with 436, Assam with 383, Chhattisgarh with 303, Tamil Nadu with 256, Karnataka with 160, and Kerala with 124.

The minister emphasized that the management of wildlife habitats is primarily the responsibility of state governments and Union Territory administrations. The central government offers financial and technical support under the Project Tiger & Elephant scheme, aimed at protecting animals, their habitats and corridors, addressing human-animal conflict, and ensuring the welfare of captive elephants.

In February 2021, the ministry issued an advisory recommending coordinated inter-departmental action, identification of conflict hotspots, adherence to standard operating procedures, and establishment of rapid response teams. The following year, guidelines were issued to states and Union Territories on managing human-wildlife conflicts, including damage to crops.

The guidelines suggest cultivating crops unpalatable to wild animals in forest fringe areas and promote agroforestry models with cash crops like chilies, lemongrass, and Khus grass, mixed with tree and shrub species. The ministry, in coordination with state forest departments, has validated 150 elephant corridors across 15 states and urged protective measures for these areas.

Additionally, the Union power ministry has issued guidelines to mitigate the impact of power infrastructure on elephants and other wildlife. A permanent coordination committee has also been established between the railways and environment ministries to prevent elephant deaths due to train accidents.

(With inputs from agencies.)