Bhubaneswar, 12th August 2023: In conjunction with the launch of the “Yaanai Thiruvizha” campaign in Tamil Nadu, our flagship initiative, Gaj Utsav, has achieved another significant milestone by extending its reach to Odisha. On the occasion of World Elephant Day, the Odisha Government proclaimed the announcement of a year-long ‘Gaj Utsav’ campaign across the state.

Shri Pradip Kumar Amat, Hon’ble Minister, FE&CC, Odisha launches Gaj Utsav in Odisha, in partnership with WTI | Photo by Odisha Forest Department.

The event held in Bhubaneshwar witnessed the presence of distinguished dignitaries such as including Shri Bhupender Yadav, Hon’ble Minister, EF&CC, Govt. of India, Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey, Hon’ble Minister of State, EF&CC, Govt. of India, Shri Pradip Kumar Amat, Hon’ble Minister, FE&CC, Odisha, alongside other esteemed guests representing the Legislation, District Administration, Forest Department and civil society.

Publications on elephant corridors and reserves were officially released during the event. Shri Bhupender Yadav, Hon’ble Minister, EF&CC, Govt. of India, bestowed the prestigious ‘Gaj Gaurav Awards’ upon individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the cause of elephant conservation.

Shri Bhupender Yadav, Hon’ble Minister, EF&CC, Govt. of India presented ‘Gaj Gaurav Awards’ to individuals who contributed to the cause of elephant conservation in the state | Photo by Odisha Forest Department

Home to over 1900 elephants spanning three elephant reserves and having 12 identified elephant corridors, Odisha plays a crucial role in the preservation of these majestic animals.  The ‘Gaj Utsav’ campaign aims to rally various stakeholders such as policymakers, media, infrastructure agencies, legal professionals, and wildlife experts to collectively combat human-elephant conflicts, safeguard crucial elephant corridors, navigate legal challenges concerning elephants, raise awareness and promote coexistence.

Addressing the audience, Shri Pradip Kumar Amat, Hon’ble Minister, FE&CC, Odisha emphasised that elephants are an integral part of Odisha’s cultural heritage and that it is of the most important elephant range states. The state government, under the leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister, Shri Naveen Patnaik remains steadfast in its commitment to wildlife conservation and the improvement of wildlife habitats.

The extension of the Gaj Utsav campaign to Odisha marks a significant step towards conserving India’s elephants and their habitats. As we commemorate World Elephant Day, let us rally together to celebrate and preserve the natural heritage that these magnificent animals embody.

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