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25 Feb 2026·Source: The Indian Express
5 min
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Anshul Mann|India
Environment & EcologyNEWS

Central India's Elephant Crisis Worsens Due to Habitat Loss

Shrinking forests and growing herds exacerbate human-elephant conflict in central India.

Central India's Elephant Crisis Worsens Due to Habitat Loss

Photo by Sibeesh Venu

Odisha recorded 171 elephant-related human deaths in 2024-25, the highest in India, despite having a smaller elephant population compared to states like Karnataka. On February 10, 2026, three women were killed by a tusker near the Kapilash Wildlife Sanctuary in Dhenkanal district while collecting firewood. As of February 10, 2026, 127 deaths have been recorded in 2025-26 alone. Over the past five years, Odisha has recorded 624 human casualties due to human-elephant conflict.

The surge in conflict is attributed to infrastructure expansion, habitat disruption, and mining activities. The Rengali canal network obstructs traditional elephant corridors, and mining and industrial growth narrow movement paths. Between 2001 and 2024, Odisha lost over 1,700 sq km of tree cover, particularly in mining-intensive districts like Keonjhar and Sundargarh. In Jharkhand’s Hazaribagh district, elephant attacks killed eight people, while one death occurred in West Bengal’s Paschim Medinipur district last week. In Bokaro district, Jharkhand, elephant attacks have claimed eight lives since January 2026.

Experts warn that this deadly phase of human-elephant conflict is likely to intensify due to shrinking forest habitats and increasing elephant populations dependent on raiding agricultural fields. A government report acknowledged the urgent need for uniform compensation and strategies to mitigate existing threats. Ecologist Raman Sukumar suggests habitat restoration is key, while Bivash Pandav emphasizes restricting elephant access to cropland until restoration efforts take effect.

This crisis highlights the urgent need for sustainable land management and conservation efforts to mitigate human-elephant conflict, relevant to UPSC exams, particularly in the Environment and Ecology section (GS Paper III).

Key Facts

1.

Central India is facing a worsening elephant crisis.

2.

Habitat loss is a major driver of the crisis.

3.

Serial droughts, mining expansion, and reservoir construction are contributing to habitat loss.

4.

Increased human-elephant conflict is a consequence of habitat loss.

UPSC Exam Angles

1.

GS Paper III (Environment and Ecology): Conservation efforts, habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict.

2.

GS Paper II (Governance): Policy implementation, community involvement, legal frameworks.

3.

Essay Paper: Ethical dimensions of conservation, sustainable development.

4.

Potential question types: Analytical questions on the causes and consequences of human-elephant conflict, policy recommendations, case studies of successful mitigation strategies.

In Simple Words

Elephants in central India are struggling because their homes are being destroyed. Things like droughts, new mines, and big water reservoirs are taking away the forests they need to live. This means elephants are running out of food and space.

India Angle

In India, this affects farmers because elephants are coming into their fields looking for food. This can ruin crops and even put people in danger. It's a problem that touches everyday life in rural areas.

For Instance

Think of it like a crowded city where new buildings keep popping up, but there are no new parks. People start feeling cramped and resources get scarce. Elephants are facing a similar situation.

This matters because it shows how development can harm nature and create problems for both animals and people. We need to find ways to grow without destroying the environment.

Protecting elephant habitats protects both elephants and the people who live near them.

Central India faces a worsening elephant crisis due to habitat loss from serial droughts, mining expansion, and reservoir construction. This has led to increased human-elephant conflict as elephant herds struggle to find adequate food and territory. Key factors contributing to the crisis include deforestation, which reduces the natural habitat for elephants, and the expansion of mining activities that disrupt elephant corridors.

The construction of reservoirs also inundates forest areas, further diminishing the available habitat. As a result, elephant herds are forced to move into agricultural lands and human settlements, leading to crop damage, property destruction, and increased risk of human casualties. Conservation efforts and sustainable land management practices are crucial to mitigate this escalating crisis.

Expert Analysis

The escalating human-elephant conflict in central India highlights the critical interplay between habitat loss, development, and wildlife conservation. Understanding this crisis requires examining several key concepts.

The first is Elephant Corridors. These are vital strips of land that connect larger elephant habitats, allowing elephants to move between different areas for food, water, and breeding. The fragmentation of these corridors due to infrastructure projects like the Rengali canal network in Odisha, as mentioned in the article, isolates elephant populations and forces them into human-dominated landscapes, increasing conflict. The failure to notify 14 identified elephant corridors in Odisha exacerbates this issue, as these corridors lack legal protection from development.

Another crucial concept is Habitat Fragmentation. This refers to the breaking up of continuous habitats into smaller, isolated patches. The article notes that between 2001 and 2024, Odisha lost over 1,700 sq km of tree cover, largely concentrated in mining-intensive districts. This loss of habitat forces elephants to seek food outside of forests, leading to crop-raiding and encounters with humans. The expansion of mining activities in states like Jharkhand and Odisha further contributes to habitat fragmentation by destroying forests and disrupting elephant movement patterns.

Finally, the concept of Human-Wildlife Conflict Mitigation is central to addressing this crisis. This involves implementing strategies to reduce negative interactions between humans and wildlife. The article mentions measures such as uniform compensation for affected communities and habitat restoration. However, it also points out that the state's response often remains limited to post-mortem ex gratia payments. Effective mitigation requires a multi-faceted approach, including early warning systems, regulated industrial expansion in ecologically sensitive zones, and community involvement in conservation efforts.

For UPSC aspirants, understanding these concepts is crucial for both prelims and mains. Prelims questions may focus on the definition and importance of elephant corridors, causes of habitat fragmentation, and different mitigation strategies. Mains questions may require analyzing the socio-economic and environmental impacts of human-elephant conflict and suggesting sustainable solutions. This topic is particularly relevant for GS Paper III (Environment and Ecology) and Essay Paper.

Visual Insights

Central India Elephant Crisis: Habitat Loss and Conflict Zones

Map showing the affected states in Central India, highlighting areas with significant habitat loss, mining expansion, and human-elephant conflict.

Loading interactive map...

📍Chhattisgarh📍Jharkhand📍Odisha
More Information

Background

The increasing human-elephant conflict in central India is rooted in historical land-use changes and development policies. Traditionally, elephants roamed freely across vast forest landscapes, migrating seasonally in search of food and water. However, the expansion of agriculture, mining, and infrastructure projects has fragmented these habitats, restricting elephant movement and bringing them into closer contact with human populations. The Forest Rights Act, 2006, aimed to recognize the rights of forest-dwelling communities, but its implementation has often been uneven, leading to continued deforestation and habitat loss. Key events that have exacerbated the conflict include the rapid expansion of mining activities in states like Jharkhand and Odisha, particularly in the 1980s and 1990s. This led to the destruction of large tracts of forest and the disruption of elephant corridors. The construction of reservoirs, such as the Rengali Dam in Odisha, also submerged vast areas of forest, further reducing available habitat. These developments forced elephant herds to adapt to new environments, often relying on agricultural fields for sustenance, leading to increased conflict with farmers. The legal and policy framework for wildlife conservation in India is primarily governed by the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. This act provides for the protection of wild animals, birds, and plants, and establishes protected areas such as national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. However, the act's effectiveness is often limited by inadequate enforcement and a lack of coordination between different government agencies. The Environment Protection Act, 1986, also plays a role in regulating activities that may harm the environment, but its implementation has been criticized for being too lenient on industrial projects.

Latest Developments

In recent years, there have been increased efforts to address human-elephant conflict through various initiatives. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has launched the Project Elephant to protect elephants, their habitats, and corridors. This project provides financial and technical support to states for elephant conservation efforts. However, the effectiveness of these initiatives is often hampered by a lack of funding and coordination between different stakeholders. Several committees have been formed to review and recommend measures to mitigate human-elephant conflict. These committees have emphasized the need for a multi-faceted approach, including habitat restoration, community involvement, and the use of technology to monitor elephant movements. The government has also been promoting the use of electric fences and other deterrents to keep elephants away from agricultural fields and human settlements. Looking ahead, there is a growing recognition of the need for a more holistic and sustainable approach to managing human-elephant conflict. This includes addressing the underlying drivers of habitat loss and fragmentation, promoting sustainable land-use practices, and empowering local communities to participate in conservation efforts. The government has set a target of restoring all identified elephant corridors by 2030, but achieving this goal will require significant investment and political will.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is human-elephant conflict increasing in central India now, compared to, say, 20 years ago?

The increase is primarily due to habitat loss and fragmentation driven by:

  • •Expansion of agriculture and infrastructure projects encroaching on elephant habitats.
  • •Mining activities further reducing forest cover and disrupting elephant corridors.
  • •Construction of canals and reservoirs blocking traditional elephant migration routes.
  • •Serial droughts exacerbating the competition for resources.
2. What specific provision of the Forest Rights Act, 2006, is most relevant to this elephant crisis, and how?

The FRA recognizes the rights of forest-dwelling communities to manage and protect their forests. This is relevant because involving these communities in conservation efforts can help reduce human-elephant conflict by:

  • •Providing them with a stake in preserving elephant habitats.
  • •Enabling them to develop sustainable livelihood options that reduce dependence on forest resources.
  • •Empowering them to monitor and manage elephant movement in their areas.

Exam Tip

Remember that FRA aims to balance conservation with the rights of forest communities. A question might test your understanding of this balance.

3. If a Mains question asks 'Critically examine Project Elephant's success in mitigating human-elephant conflict,' what two pro and two con arguments should I include?

For a balanced answer, consider these points:

  • •Pros: Increased awareness and funding for elephant conservation; Establishment of elephant reserves and corridors.
  • •Cons: Limited success in addressing habitat loss and fragmentation; Inadequate coordination between different government departments and stakeholders; Project implementation delays due to funding constraints.

Exam Tip

When 'critically examining', always present both sides of the argument. Don't just praise or condemn.

4. What are the ethical considerations surrounding human-elephant conflict, and how can they be addressed?

Ethical considerations include:

  • •The right of elephants to exist and thrive in their natural habitats versus the right of humans to protect their lives and livelihoods.
  • •The responsibility of the government to balance the needs of both humans and elephants.
  • •The need for fair compensation and rehabilitation for victims of human-elephant conflict.
  • •The importance of respecting the cultural and traditional values of communities living in elephant habitats.
5. How does the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, relate to the current elephant crisis in central India?

The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, provides legal protection to elephants and their habitats. It prohibits hunting, poaching, and trade of elephants and their body parts. It also empowers the government to declare areas as wildlife sanctuaries and national parks to protect elephant habitats. However, the Act's effectiveness is limited by:

  • •Inadequate enforcement of the law.
  • •Lack of coordination between different government agencies.
  • •Limited participation of local communities in conservation efforts.

Exam Tip

Remember the year of enactment of key environmental laws like the Wildlife Protection Act (1972) and the Forest Rights Act (2006). UPSC often tests these.

6. What are the potential long-term consequences if the human-elephant conflict in central India is not addressed effectively?

If the conflict persists, we can expect:

  • •Further decline in elephant populations due to retaliatory killings and habitat loss.
  • •Increased human casualties and economic losses due to crop damage and property destruction.
  • •Erosion of trust and cooperation between local communities and the government.
  • •Loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services provided by elephants.
7. How does this elephant crisis relate to India's international commitments regarding biodiversity conservation?

India is a signatory to several international conventions and agreements related to biodiversity conservation, such as the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). The elephant crisis undermines India's commitment to these agreements by threatening the survival of a keystone species and disrupting ecosystem functions. Addressing the crisis is essential for India to meet its international obligations and maintain its credibility as a responsible global player.

8. What are some innovative solutions being explored to mitigate human-elephant conflict in other parts of the world that could be adapted for central India?

Some solutions include:

  • •Use of drones and other technologies to monitor elephant movement and provide early warning to communities.
  • •Construction of elephant-proof barriers, such as electric fences and trenches, to prevent elephants from entering agricultural areas.
  • •Implementation of community-based insurance schemes to compensate farmers for crop damage caused by elephants.
  • •Promotion of alternative livelihood options for communities living in elephant habitats to reduce their dependence on forest resources.
9. Will this topic likely appear in GS Paper 3 (Environment) or GS Paper 4 (Ethics)?

This topic is most relevant to GS Paper 3 (Environment), specifically the sections on biodiversity conservation, environmental degradation, and disaster management. However, it could also have ethical dimensions relevant to GS Paper 4, particularly regarding the conflict between human needs and animal welfare.

Exam Tip

When preparing for GS Paper 3, focus on the environmental aspects of the issue, such as habitat loss, conservation efforts, and policy interventions. For GS Paper 4, consider the ethical dilemmas and potential solutions that promote both human well-being and animal welfare.

10. What is the government's official position on balancing development with elephant conservation in central India?

The government's official position is to promote sustainable development that minimizes the impact on elephant habitats and corridors. This involves:

  • •Implementing stricter environmental regulations for mining and infrastructure projects.
  • •Promoting eco-tourism and community-based conservation initiatives.
  • •Investing in research and monitoring to better understand elephant behavior and movement patterns.
  • •Enhancing coordination between different government agencies and stakeholders to ensure a holistic approach to conservation.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the causes of increasing human-elephant conflict in central India: I. Fragmentation of elephant corridors due to infrastructure development. II. Loss of tree cover in mining-intensive districts. III. Inadequate enforcement of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.I only
  • B.II only
  • C.I and II only
  • D.I, II and III
Show Answer

Answer: D

All three statements are correct. Infrastructure development fragments elephant corridors, mining activities lead to loss of tree cover, and inadequate enforcement of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, contributes to habitat loss and increased human-elephant conflict. The article highlights these factors as key drivers of the crisis in central India.

2. Which of the following activities contributes most significantly to the fragmentation of elephant habitats in Odisha?

  • A.Ecotourism initiatives
  • B.Expansion of mining activities
  • C.Afforestation programs
  • D.Wildlife conservation projects
Show Answer

Answer: B

The expansion of mining activities is the most significant contributor to the fragmentation of elephant habitats in Odisha. The article mentions that between 2001 and 2024, Odisha lost over 1,700 sq km of tree cover, largely concentrated in mining-intensive districts like Keonjhar and Sundargarh. This loss of habitat forces elephants to seek food outside of forests, leading to increased conflict with humans.

3. Which of the following statements is NOT correct regarding Project Elephant?

  • A.It aims to protect elephants, their habitats, and corridors.
  • B.It provides financial and technical support to states for elephant conservation efforts.
  • C.It was launched by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
  • D.It mandates the relocation of all elephants to protected areas.
Show Answer

Answer: D

Project Elephant does not mandate the relocation of all elephants to protected areas. Its primary focus is on protecting elephants in their natural habitats and ensuring the conservation of their corridors. Relocation is only considered in specific cases where it is deemed necessary for the safety of both elephants and humans.

4. Assertion (A): Human-elephant conflict is increasing in central India. Reason (R): Deforestation and habitat fragmentation have forced elephants to seek food in agricultural areas. In the context of the above, which of the following is correct?

  • A.Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
  • B.Both A and R are true, but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
  • C.A is true, but R is false
  • D.A is false, but R is true
Show Answer

Answer: A

Both the assertion and the reason are true, and the reason correctly explains the assertion. Deforestation and habitat fragmentation are major drivers of human-elephant conflict, as they force elephants to seek food in agricultural areas, leading to increased interactions with humans.

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About the Author

Anshul Mann

Software Engineer & Current Affairs Analyst

Anshul Mann writes about Environment & Ecology at GKSolver, breaking down complex developments into clear, exam-relevant analysis.

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