The "Gaja Parichaya Programme" was a unique awareness and interaction initiative focused on fostering coexistence between humans and elephants, commonly referred to as “Gaja” in Odia. Held in the rich forest belt of Samantarapur, this program aimed to sensitise the local community, especially youth and forest-dependent families, about elephant conservation, habitat protection, and the importance of forest ecosystems.
To educate the local population about elephant behaviour and migration patterns.
To promote community-based conservation and conflict resolution strategies.
To build awareness on forest protection and the role of biodiversity in sustainable living.
To encourage youth and students to participate in wildlife protection initiatives.
Awareness Walk: Involving school students, forest guards, and youth volunteers, highlighting peaceful coexistence with elephants.
Interactive Session: Conducted by Forest Department officials and wildlife experts on elephant habits, causes of human-elephant conflict, and mitigation techniques.
Demonstration: Display of early warning systems, trench building methods, and community response plans during elephant movement.
Tree Plantation Drive: Promoting green cover and corridor development to support elephant habitats.
Cultural Performances: Folk songs and street plays performed by local youth conveying conservation messages.
