Illegal Quarrying Destroys Elephant Habitats, Sparking Deadly Clashes

According to a recent report, the Dhenkanal district of Odisha has seen a concerning rise in human-elephant conflicts, with three people tragically killed in a recent attack by a tusker. Wildlife activists attribute this alarming trend to the rapid industrialization and expansion of crusher units, stone quarries, and construction activities that are encroaching upon the traditional elephant corridors in the region.

The district, known for its significant elephant population, has witnessed a drastic change in the landscape that once served as a good habitat for the pachyderms. Satellite maps show a dramatic shift, as illegal stone mining and quarrying operations have proliferated in the Hindol and Odapada areas, with around 200 active quarries functioning largely without proper permits or revenue department leases.

These quarrying activities, often excavating to depths of 20-30 meters, have not only disrupted the natural elephant paths but also disturbed the animals at night with blasting and the constant movement of trucks and tractors. The deep quarries have effectively confined the elephants to tiny patches of forest, forcing them to venture into human settlements in search of food, leading to fatal encounters.

Wildlife conservationists warn that the continued habitat destruction will only exacerbate the human-elephant conflict, as the displaced animals are pushed closer to human habitation. They urge the forest department to take immediate action to curb the illegal mining and industrial expansion in these sensitive elephant territories, in order to prevent further loss of human and animal lives.