Bhubaneswar: In a significant step towards mitigating the growing human-elephant conflict in Odisha, the Forest Department has installed solar-powered siren systems across key elephant corridors in Kandhamal district. The initiative aims to provide timely alerts to villagers about the movement of wild elephants, helping them move to safety and reducing the risk of casualties and property damage.
The early warning system has been introduced in areas that frequently witness elephant movement, where repeated encounters between humans and wild elephants have resulted in loss of lives, destruction of crops, and damage to homes.
Six Solar-Powered Sirens Installed
The Forest Department has installed six solar-powered sirens in the G Udayagiri Forest Range at Linga, Malanasuga, Pukulingia, Gamuli, Retudi, and Pidikimaha. These villages are located along established elephant corridors and have experienced recurring incidents of human-wildlife conflict over the years.
The sirens are designed to serve as an immediate warning mechanism whenever elephants are spotted approaching nearby human settlements.
Mobile-Based Alert System
According to a report by The New Indian Express, Forest Range Officer Manikeswari Pattnaik said each siren is linked to five authorised mobile numbers assigned to forest personnel and designated local volunteers.
Whenever forest officials or villagers notice elephants moving towards a village, they can simply call the registered number to activate the nearest siren remotely. The loud warning signal alerts residents, giving them valuable time to remain indoors, move to safer locations, or take precautionary measures before the animals arrive.
Forest officials believe the technology-driven system will significantly reduce unexpected encounters between humans and elephants, thereby minimising injuries, fatalities, and damage to agricultural fields.
Villagers Welcome the Initiative
Residents of the affected villages have welcomed the installation of the sirens, describing them as an important step towards improving safety in elephant-prone areas.
However, locals also stressed that the warning system alone may not be enough to address the district’s growing elephant problem. They have urged the government to adopt additional long-term measures to manage elephant movement and protect rural communities.
Demand for a Dedicated Rapid Response Team
Amid rising incidents of human-elephant conflict, a delegation from G Udayagiri recently submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi through the local tehsildar.
The delegation demanded the formation of a dedicated Rapid Response Team (RRT) for Kandhamal district to respond quickly whenever elephants enter villages. They also called for a comprehensive long-term strategy to manage elephant habitats, prevent conflicts, and safeguard both human lives and wildlife.
Human and Property Losses Raise Concern
According to the memorandum, elephant attacks in recent days have claimed the lives of five people and killed 13 domestic animals in different parts of the district.
The delegation also alleged that hundreds of acres of standing crops have been destroyed, while several houses have suffered damage due to elephant movement.
Farmers said repeated crop losses have severely affected their livelihoods, with banana plantations, maize fields, and other seasonal crops bearing the brunt of the destruction.
Elephant Movement Continues Across Forest Range
Residents said the situation has become increasingly challenging due to the presence of two tuskers that have been roaming the G Udayagiri forest range for several months.
In addition, a herd of 21 elephants has been regularly moving through the Retudi forest before entering the Sujeli and Kurumingia areas, where they have caused extensive damage to agricultural fields.
Forest officials continue to monitor elephant movement while urging residents to remain vigilant and make use of the newly installed warning system whenever alerts are issued.
The installation of the solar-powered sirens marks an important technological intervention in Odisha’s ongoing efforts to reduce human-elephant conflict. Authorities hope that combining early warning systems with stronger conservation planning, rapid response mechanisms, and community participation will help create a safer environment for both people and wildlife.
