Dhenkanal: World Elephant Day 2026 was observed at Kapilash Zoological Park under the Dhenkanal Forest Division with a focus on elephant conservation, habitat protection and peaceful coexistence between people and wildlife.
The programme was attended by Dhenkanal Divisional Forest Officer Lalit Kumar Patra, along with ACFs Nilendra Narayan Singh Dalapati and Bidya Sagar. Forest Department officials, staff and representatives of Kapilash Zoological Park also took part in the event.
Community participation was another key feature of the celebration. Deogan Sarpanch Bijay Kumar Dehury, Eco-Club Master Trainer and environmentalist Diptimayee Lenka, and members of the Deogan Youth Club joined the programme.
Speakers highlighted the important role of elephants in maintaining healthy ecosystems. They stressed the need to protect elephant habitats, maintain wildlife corridors and reduce threats such as electrocution. The importance of community-led conservation was also discussed.
The programme aimed to create greater awareness among young people and local communities about elephant protection. The Forest Department also reaffirmed its focus on wildlife protection, habitat management, scientific monitoring and reducing human-elephant conflict in the Dhenkanal region.
The event concluded with an appeal for collective efforts to protect elephants and promote peaceful coexistence between humans and wildlife.