Elephants crucial in regenerating forests: Satpathy

'HATI SABHA' IN KEONJHAR

- POST NEWS NETWORK

Elephants play a key role in regenerating forests, said Dharitri and Orissa POST Editor Tathagata Satpathy during 'Hati Sabha' at Upara Jagar village under Kumundi panchayat of Banspal block in Keonjhar district Monday.

Speaking at the event, organised jointly by the two newspapers, Foundation for Ecological Security (FES) and Bikash Saathi, Satpathy explained how elephants contribute to the forest ecosystem.

“As large wild animals, elephants break branches and consume fruits from tall trees in forests, allowing sunlight to reach smaller plants and enabling new vegetation to grow,” he said.

Satpathy noted that elephants not only shape the forest but also select their own migration routes and even their places of death, underscoring their unique role in the natural world.

He also criticised administrative apathy and negligence of mining companies in Keonjhar, saying the district’s natural wealth has enriched mining firms while leaving behind widespread unemployment and environmental degradation.

“The soil of Keonjhar has absorbed the blood and sweat of its people,” he said.