256 wild elephants died in Odisha in three years, 13 killed by poachers: Minister

Bhubaneswar, Sep 22 (UNI) As many as 256 wild elephants died in Odisha between 2023-24 and 2025-26, including 13 killed by poachers, Forest Minister Ganesh Ram Singhkhuntia informed the state Assembly on Tuesday. Replying to a written question from BJP MLA Dr Durga Prasana Nayak, the Minister said 32 persons had been arrested in connection with elephant poaching during the period. He said the state government had taken a series of measures to protect elephants and prevent their unnatural deaths. These measures include protection of elephant habitats, creation of forests to ensure adequate food availability, digging of artificial water bodies…