TFP Bureau, Raipur, August 12, 2024: On World Elephant Day, Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupendra Yadav, underscored India’s leading role in elephant conservation at a national program held in Raipur, Chhattisgarh. The event also featured the inauguration of the state-of-the-art auditorium ‘Dandakaranya’ and an electronic auction system in the state.
In his address, Minister Yadav praised India’s efforts in elephant conservation, noting the country’s significant contribution to preserving these majestic animals. He highlighted that elephants, known as “engineers of the ecosystem,” play a crucial role in maintaining forest health. The Minister stressed the importance of reducing human-elephant conflicts and fostering cross-sectoral cooperation to achieve this goal.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai, who also attended the event, emphasized the state’s historical connection with elephants and its commitment to mitigating human-elephant conflicts. The Chief Minister outlined various initiatives, including public awareness programs and technological solutions like the ‘Gaj Sanket and Sajag’ app, to inform villagers about elephant movements and reduce conflicts. He noted that Chhattisgarh’s rich biodiversity, including elephants, is integral to the state’s heritage and ecosystem management.
Minister Yadav announced that India is home to approximately 29,964 elephants, with 33 Elephant Reserves and 150 Elephant Corridors across 14 states. He praised the strong legal framework and public support for elephant conservation in India, positioning the country as a global leader in this field.
The event also included the presentation of the Gaj Gaurav Awards to individuals for their outstanding contributions to elephant conservation. Award recipients included Late Shri Bubul Gogoi (posthumously), Shri Deenbandhu Barman, Shri Anay Kumar Samal, and Smt. Sanghamitra Mahanta.
Chhattisgarh’s Forest and Climate Change Minister, Kedar Kashyap, noted the state’s favorable environment for elephant conservation, with 44% of its area covered by forests. He highlighted ongoing initiatives such as the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign, aiming to plant 3.8 crore saplings, and the involvement of women beneficiaries from the Mahtari Vandan Yojana in conservation efforts.
The World Elephant Day celebrations brought together a diverse group of stakeholders to address the challenges of elephant conservation and human-elephant conflict, reinforcing India’s commitment to preserving its national heritage.
