India’s Crucial Role in Wild Asian Elephant Conservation Emphasized by Union Minister Shri Bhupender Yadav
TFP Bureau Bhubaneswar, August 12, 2023: Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, as well as Labour and Employment, Shri Bhupender Yadav, has underscored the imperative of integrating biodiversity preservation into India’s economic growth for the sake of ecological stability and sustainability. During the observance of World Elephant Day in Bhubaneswar, Shri Yadav highlighted that with the largest population of wild Asian elephants, India stands as a linchpin for the enduring safeguarding of this remarkable species. He stressed that engaging actively with local communities remains pivotal in elevating elephant conservation efforts to unprecedented heights. The minister reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to balancing human welfare with elephant conservation.
Shri Yadav commended the collaborative endeavors of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), the Ministry of Railways, State Forest Departments, and national institutions such as the Wildlife Institute of India in addressing the pressing issue of railway-related elephant collisions. Notably, around 110 critical stretches within the country’s railway network, traversing through elephant habitats, have been identified as part of this initiative. Shri Yadav outlined multifaceted strategies in these critical areas to mitigate elephant-railway collisions, including constructing underpasses, enhancing trackside visibility, and implementing innovative solutions like ramps. The minister disclosed that the Ministry of Railways is exploring the deployment of technology-driven intrusion detection systems along tracks in Odisha and other states.
Protecting elephants across India. pic.twitter.com/1z1oBRhR2J
— Bhupender Yadav (मोदी का परिवार) (@byadavbjp) August 12, 2023
Shri Yadav highlighted a pioneering move by the ministry, involving the mapping of genotypes of all captive elephants in the country to curb illegal elephant trafficking. He revealed that for the first time, the ministry is conducting management effectiveness and evaluation of Elephant Reserves nationwide. This commendable effort has selected four elephant reserves from distinct regions for piloting this evaluation process, aimed at standardizing best practices among these reserves. The minister underscored that the Elephant Reserve network expanded from 76,508 km² to 80,777 km², encompassing 33 Elephant Reserves in the last two years.
During the World Elephant Day event, Shri Yadav engaged with Gaj Saathi and frontline staff responsible for managing human-elephant conflicts. As part of the celebrations, he released the “Elephant Corridors of India” report, which was prepared by Project Elephant. This comprehensive report, developed through rigorous validation with State Forest Departments, comprises details of 150 elephant corridors across India along with corresponding maps. Shri Yadav highlighted its importance as a reference manual to guide State Governments in protecting and managing these corridors, facilitating unimpeded elephant movement and minimizing conflicts.
In addition, the minister unveiled the second edition of the “Atlas of Elephant Reserves of India,” providing essential information about all 33 Elephant Reserves in the country. Shri Yadav honored recipients with the Gaj Gaurav awards for their exceptional contributions to elephant conservation and management. Notable awardees included Alefnagar Joint Forest Management Committee, West Bengal; the late Shri Bishwarrajan Panigrahi, ex-protection squad member in Odisha; and various other individuals recognized for their exemplary services.
The event was graced by Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey, Minister of State, Government of India, and Shri Pradip Kumar Amat, Minister of FE and CC, Government of Odisha. Distinguished officials from MoEFCC, including Director General of Forests and Special Secretary Shri Chandra Prakash Goyal, were present alongside representatives from local communities and experts in the field of elephant conservation.
World Elephant Day, celebrated annually on August 12, reaffirms the global commitment to preserving this iconic species. India, where elephants are deemed National Heritage animals and hold cultural significance, remains steadfast in its dedication to safeguarding these majestic creatures.
