The 21st Steering Committee meeting of Project Elephant, chaired by Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, took place in Dehradun. The meeting was a deep-dive into recent conservation milestonesâincluding the successful conclusion of Phase-I of the synchronized elephant census in the Northeastâas well as new strategies to combat wildlife threats.
Phase-I of the synchronized elephant population estimation in the Northeastern states has been officially concluded. Over 16,500 elephant dung samples were gathered and analyzed using DNA-based methodologies, aiming to provide an accurate estimation of the population on par with the previous 2017 census that recorded 29,964 elephants nationwide.
A major concern is the high number of elephant fatalities due to rail accidents. To address this, 3,452.4âŻkm of railway tracks in identified elephant habitats have been surveyed. From this, 77 highârisk zones have been earmarked. Between 2019â24, 73 elephant deaths occurred due to train collisions.
The project also successfully carried out 1,911 DNA profiles of captive elephants across 22 states. This genetic database will support long-term conservation strategies including lineage tracking, health diagnostics, and improved management.
New regional action plans were unveiled for the southern and northeastern zones to manage HEC. The strategies emphasize inter-agency collaboration involving the Indian Railways, NHAI, Ministry of Power, and other stakeholders to minimize conflicts and promote coexistence.
Beyond elephants, the initiative has been broadened to support other vulnerable species. Sloth bear and gharial have been added to the Species Recovery Programme, highlighting increased attention to ecosystem-wide biodiversity restoration.
This development showcases Indiaâs commitment to large-scale wildlife conservation and provides current examples for topics like environmental policies, biodiversity governance, wildlifeâhuman conflict mitigation, and interdisciplinary collaboration among governmental organizations. Aspirants for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railways, Defence, and Teaching roles must be well-versed with real-time conservation initiatives like Project Elephant.
The launch of census Phase I, railway risk mapping, DNA profiling, and expansion to species recovery represents multifaceted policy implementationâfrom data-gathering and science-backed census methods to cross-sectoral coordinationâvaluable for general studies, essay-writing, and interview questions.
Inclusion of sloth bear and gharial underlines Indiaâs integrated conservation approach, vital for current affairs sections in civil service, environment, and wildlife segments for various examinations.
Initiated in 1992 by the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Project Elephant aims to support states in conserving wild elephant populations by protecting habitats, migration corridors, and managing human-elephant conflict.
Indiaâs first synchronized elephant census occurred in 2005 using dung-sample-based line transect methods. The last nationwide census in 2017 pegged the elephant population at 29,964, a rise from earlier estimates.
Since 2004, the project has integrated the MIKE (Monitoring of Illegal Killing of Elephants) program to curb poaching via data-driven intelligence. Additionally, captive elephant DNA profiling assists in pedigree tracking and health monitoring.
Project Elephant also supports habitat development, scientific research (e.g., elephantâproof storage bins, repellents), veterinary care, and training for mahouts. These multi-pronged strategies promote both species welfare and human coexistence.
Project Elephant is a centrally sponsored scheme launched by the Government of India in 1992 to protect elephants, their habitat, and migration corridors, and to manage human-elephant conflicts.
The elephant census aims to estimate the population of wild elephants using scientific methods such as dung sampling and DNA analysis. It helps in conservation planning and monitoring population trends.
Railway mapping identifies high-risk zones where elephants frequently cross tracks, leading to potential collisions. It enables authorities to take preventive measures and reduce accidental deaths.
DNA profiling involves collecting genetic samples from elephants (especially captive ones) to build a database for tracking lineage, health conditions, and population management.
In addition to elephants, sloth bears and gharials have been newly added to the Species Recovery Programme, indicating a broader biodiversity conservation agenda.
By launching regional action plans, promoting inter-agency coordination, and implementing on-ground solutions like early warning systems and fencing in conflict-prone areas.
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