Daily Current Affairs : 23-January-2024
The government of Odisha is reaching out to Tamil Nadu for support in addressing the increasing human-elephant conflicts in the region. This issue has become critical, and the Odisha government believes that trained kumki elephants and their mahouts from Tamil Nadu can help mitigate these conflicts effectively.
Background of the Conflict
In recent years, Odisha has faced significant challenges related to human-elephant encounters. According to a letter from Satyabrata Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary of Forest and Environment in Odisha, the situation has worsened. The data for the financial year 2023-24 shows alarming statistics:
- 230 encounters between humans and elephants
- 139 human fatalities and 108 injuries
- Last year, there were 257 encounters, resulting in 146 deaths and 157 injuries
These figures highlight a troubling trend, and with two months remaining in the financial year, the numbers could rise even higher.
The Role of Kumki Elephants
Kumki elephants, trained to manage and guide wild elephants, could play a crucial role in this scenario. Sahu explained that these elephants can help:
- Drive wild elephants away from human habitats
- Reduce damage to crops and property
- Minimize risks to both humans and elephants
- Assist in forest patrolling and rescue operations
By deploying kumki elephants, Odisha hopes to address the conflicts in a humane manner.
Tamil Nadu’s Successful Program
Odisha’s government is particularly interested in Tamil Nadu’s successful program for training kumki elephants. Sahu requested at least four trained kumki elephants to be sent to Odisha, emphasizing their potential benefits:
- They will be valuable assets to Odisha’s wildlife organization.
- Their presence can help protect both human and wildlife interests.
Support for Mahouts
Along with the elephants, Odisha is also requesting that the mahouts—who are skilled handlers—accompany them. This initial support will help local mahouts become familiar with the kumki elephants and ensure effective management.
Urgent Appeal for Assistance
In light of the urgent need to address the human-elephant conflict, Sahu urged the Tamil Nadu government to consider this request promptly. He emphasized that their support could significantly enhance ongoing conservation efforts and help reduce wildlife conflicts in Odisha.
Important Points:
- Odisha’s Request for Help: The Odisha government is seeking assistance from Tamil Nadu to address rising human-elephant conflicts.
- Rising Encounters: In the financial year 2023-24, there have been:
- 230 encounters between humans and elephants
- 139 human fatalities and 108 injuries
- Past Statistics: The previous financial year had:
- 257 encounters, resulting in 146 deaths and 157 injuries
- Potential of Kumki Elephants: Trained kumki elephants can help:
- Drive wild elephants away from human habitats
- Reduce crop damage and property loss
- Minimize risks to human and elephant lives
- Assist in forest patrolling and rescue operations
- Tamil Nadu’s Successful Program: Odisha is interested in Tamil Nadu’s effective kumki elephant training program and is requesting at least four elephants.
- Support for Mahouts: The request includes sending skilled mahouts to assist local handlers in managing the kumki elephants.
- Urgent Appeal: Odisha’s Additional Chief Secretary emphasized the need for prompt consideration of this request to help mitigate human-elephant conflicts.
Why In News
The Odisha government has sought assistance from Tamil Nadu to provide trained kumki elephants and mahouts in response to the escalating human-elephant conflict in the eastern state, recognizing the urgent need for effective and humane solutions to protect both communities and wildlife.
MCQs about Seeking Help for Human-Elephant Conflict in Odisha
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What is the primary reason the Odisha government is seeking help from Tamil Nadu?
A. To receive funding for wildlife conservation
B. To obtain trained kumki elephants and mahouts
C. To organize educational programs about elephants
D. To build more parks for elephants
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How many human fatalities were reported in human-elephant encounters during the financial year 2023-24 so far?
A. 146
B. 139
C. 108
D. 257
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What role do kumki elephants play in mitigating human-elephant conflicts?
A. They are used for transportation of goods.
B. They can help drive wild elephants away from human habitats.
C. They assist in agricultural work.
D. They are trained for entertainment purposes.
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What additional support did Odisha request along with the kumki elephants?
A. Financial aid for conservation programs
B. Veterinary care for the elephants
C. Mahouts to assist with the kumki elephants
D. Training programs for local farmers
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