Elephants are more than just majestic giants roaming the forests, they are ecosystem engineers. Constantly shaping their habitats in ways that sustain countless species and preserve biodiversity. In the lush landscapes of Odisha, home to 1,976 Asiatic elephants and 14 vital elephant corridors, these gentle titans face growing threats. Over the past decade, 765 elephants have lost their lives in the state, many due to human-wildlife conflict and accidental electrocutions.

Recognizing this urgent need for conservation, Tata Power has stepped in. As the company manages the state’s electricity distribution network of Odisha, it sees both an opportunity and a responsibility to lead conservation efforts on the ground with Gaja Sanrakshana. In collaboration with the Government of Odisha and SNEHA (Support for Network and Extension Help Agency), this initiative is a pioneering wildlife conservation project elephant aimed at reducing human-elephant conflict, preserving natural habitats, and fostering a harmonious coexistence between communities and elephants. With this blog, we will explore how this initiative aligns with India’s broader elephant conservation goals, its innovative strategies, and its impact on both wildlife and communities.

Gajasanrakshana aims to protect the natural elephant corridors in India

Launched in 1992, Project Elephant is a national initiative by the Indian Government focused on protecting Asiatic elephants, their habitats, and migration corridors, while addressing human-elephant conflict. Gaja Sanrakshana aligns with this vision, supporting focused protection efforts in one of Odisha’s most critical elephant corridors.

Despite their revered status in Indian culture, elephants face a barrage of threats, including:

1.   Threats to elephant populations

India’s elephants face a barrage of threats: habitat loss due to urbanization, poaching for ivory, and accidental deaths from electrocution or train collisions. In Odisha alone, the loss of 765 elephants over the last decade highlights the urgency of action. With the state housing about 5% of the global Asiatic elephant population, preserving its 14 elephant corridors is critical to maintaining ecological balance.

2.   Human-elephant conflict

As human settlements expand into elephant habitats, conflicts escalate. Farmers lose crops, homes are damaged, and retaliatory actions against elephants rise. In Odisha, poaching and hunting are one of the major reasons for these conflicts that have turned these encounters deadly. Odisha is home to 1,976 elephants and 14 elephant corridors, making it one of the most critical elephant habitats in India. However, human activities have led to an alarming increase in elephant deaths. Over the past decade, 765 elephants have died in the state, emphasizing the need for urgent conservation measures.

Derived from Sanskrit, 'Gaja Sanrakshana' translates to 'Elephant Protection.' It is Tata Power’s localized response to the national framework of Project Elephant. While Project Elephant sets the stage for elephant conservation across India, Gaja Sanrakshana zooms in on Odisha’s hotspots, its elephant reserves, and corridors, delivering targeted, on-ground solutions. It’s a synergy of national vision and regional action, backed by Tata Power’s resources and commitment to sustainability.

A key aspect of Gaja Sanrakshana is its community-driven approach. The initiative actively involves villagers, local self-government bodies, and forest officials in conservation efforts. By training 600+ Gaja Sathis (village volunteers) and spreading awareness through street plays, wall paintings, and school events, the project ensures that conservation efforts are deeply rooted in local communities. Through these efforts, Gaja Sanrakshana becomes a crucial part of broader elephant conservation projects.

The elephant conservation initiative focuses on reducing elephant casualties through a multi-pronged approach:

*   Creating safe, natural habitats for elephants

*   Implementing early warning and tracking systems to prevent human-elephant conflicts

*   Conducting community awareness programs to promote peaceful coexistence

*   Preventing poaching and the spread of diseases among elephants

*   Deploying rapid response teams for medical emergencies

Each of these strategies is a testament to Tata Power’s commitment to elephant conservation in Odisha and its broader contribution to India’s conservation goals.

Tata Power's commitment aims to contribute to India's conservation goals

Since its launch, the initiative has already made a tangible impact on elephant conservation:

*   6,412 farmers sensitized on elephant conservation

*   200 vulnerable villages covered in the initial phase

*   52 live wire poaching spots identified and addressed

*   441 solar-powered fences installed to reduce human-elephant conflicts

*   2,500+ school children engaged in awareness programs

These accomplishments are just a glimpse of the significant progress that Gaja Sanrakshana has made in ensuring the safety and sustainability of elephant populations in Odisha, supporting broader project elephant goals.

Tata Power is not just protecting Odisha’s elephants, it is building a legacy of harmony for future generations. By blending cutting-edge technology, community empowerment, and partnerships with experts like SNEHA and the Government of Odisha, they are proving that conservation and human progress can go hand in hand. Their efforts support elephant conservation in India, demonstrating that through collaboration and dedicated initiatives, the future of these magnificent creatures can be safeguarded.