Odisha deploys first state-of-the-art elephant transport truck

By Sukant Mohanty

Bhubaneswar, Aug. 25: In a pioneering move for wildlife conservation, Odisha has introduced its first state-of-the-art elephant transport truck, designed exclusively for the safe and efficient relocation of the state’s pachyderms.

The specialised vehicle, named ‘Airabat,’ has been handed over to the Angul Forest Division and will also serve other districts as required. Unlike conventional trucks that lacked safety provisions, Airabat is a fully customised, high-tech carrier equipped to reduce risks during elephant rescue and relocation operations.

The vehicle features a hydraulic lift to enable smooth boarding, a four-tonne winch, an onboard generator, a large water tank, and a CCTV surveillance system for continuous monitoring in transit. It also incorporates a suction pump, thermal scanner, sprinkler system, and air-cushion support to ensure the animals’ comfort and wellbeing.

“This specialised truck was a long-felt need, given the scale of rescue and relocation operations in Odisha. Elephants require careful handling during transport, and this custom-built vehicle will make the process far safer and more efficient,”said Nitish Kumar, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Angul.

The truck was developed in consultation with senior forest officials, including the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and regional officers, before being customised in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand.

Forest officials believe Airabat will significantly aid human-elephant conflict mitigation in Odisha, where frequent encounters between jumbos and communities have posed challenges to both wildlife management and public safety.