In a pioneering move to address the increasing conflict between humans and elephants, the State government has plans to create dedicated forest habitats to ensure their long-term shelter and food security, Odisha Forest & Environment Minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia informed on Tuesday.

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Forest Minister Khuntia revealed, the initiative aims to regenerate forest areas specifically designed to accommodate the needs of elephants. New forest zones will include sustainable food sources like paddy, jackfruit, and bamboo — staples in the elephant diet.

Currently, only 33 percent of Odisha's total land is under forest cover, while the State is home to over 1,800 elephants. The Minister emphasised

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