THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
BERHAMPUR,
FEBRUARY 18, 2026
TP Southern Odisha Distribution
Limited (TPSODL), a joint venture of Tata Power and the Government of Odisha,
has launched the ‘Gaja Sanrakshana Project’ to mitigate human–elephant conflict
through structured collaboration, community engagement, and preventive
infrastructure measures. The pilot initiative is being implemented in the
Ghumsur North Forest Division at Bhanjanagar in partnership with SNEHA NGO. The
project seeks to reduce elephant electrocution incidents, strengthen grassroots
awareness, and improve coordination between the Forest Department and the power
utility. It reinforces TPSODL’s sustained commitment to biodiversity
conservation and community safety across Southern Odisha.
The initiative spans four forest
ranges under the division—Majhagada, Tarasing, Gallery and
Jagannathprasad—regions that experience frequent elephant movement and
associated risks to both wildlife and human settlements. Conceived as a
convergence model, the programme combines local community participation with
technical interventions to prevent accidents and establish a responsive safety
framework in vulnerable pockets where overhead power infrastructure intersects
with elephant corridors.
Under the project, 114
electrocution threat points have been identified across the four ranges.
Targeted corrective actions are being designed and executed at these critical
locations to minimise the risk of accidental contact with live conductors by
elephants. In parallel, sustained awareness campaigns are being carried out
through wall paintings, village-level meetings and street plays, promoting safe
practices, timely reporting of hazards, and a culture of coexistence with wildlife.
TPSODL has already undertaken
significant infrastructure strengthening in elephant-prone areas as a
preventive measure. Nearly 190 kilometres of bare conductors have been replaced
with insulated conductors to eliminate accidental electrocution risks, while
close to 1,000 intermediate poles have been installed to enhance line stability
and reduce sagging of overhead wires in forested stretches and movement
corridors.
Speaking on the occasion, Amit
Kumar Garg, CEO, TPSODL, said, “The Gaja Sanrakshana Project reflects our deep
commitment towards biodiversity conservation and community well-being. By
working closely with the Forest Department and local communities, we aim to
create a sustainable and preventive framework to reduce human–elephant conflict.
Together, we can ensure safety for both people and wildlife.”
Himanshu Sekhar Mohanty, DFO,
Ghumsur North Forest Division, said, “This is a very welcome step by TPSODL.
With better cooperation between TPSODL and the Forest Department, we will
collectively work to fulfil the objectives of this initiative and reduce
human–elephant conflicts.”
The launch event was held at the TPSODL Corporate Office in Berhampur in the presence of Pradeep Ghoshal, Head CSR, Odisha DISCOMs; Abhijit Padhi, Circle Head, Bhanjanagar; Dillip Kumar Sahoo, Head CSR; along with senior officials from TPSODL, the Ghumsur North Forest Division and SNEHA NGO.
Through the Gaja Sanrakshana Project, TPSODL is strengthening not only electrical safety in wildlife habitats but also its broader role as a responsible corporate citizen committed to protecting biodiversity and promoting sustainable, long-term coexistence between communities and elephants across Southern Odisha.
