The Union Environment Ministry conducted a thorough review of Project Elephant during its 21st steering committee meeting in Dehradun, emphasizing significant developments in wildlife conservation. The completion of Phase-I of synchronized elephant population estimation, railway line surveys to prevent elephant-train collisions, and the addition of sloth bear and gharial to the Species Recovery Programme mark crucial steps towards enhancing wildlife protection in India.
Key Highlights
Project Elephant Review
- Chaired By: Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav
- Purpose: To assess the progress of Project Elephant for conservation
- Venue: Dehradun
Population Estimation Updates
- Phase-I of synchronized elephant census completed in Northeast India
- 16,500+ dung samples collected for DNA-based population estimation
- Last official census (2017) estimated 29,964 elephants in India
- Shelved 2022-23 interim report noted a 20% decline in population
Railway Collision Mitigation
- 3,452.4 km of sensitive railway stretches mapped
- 77 high-risk zones identified to reduce elephant fatalities
- 73 elephants killed in train collisions (2019–2024)
Genetic Profiling of Captive Elephants
- 1,911 DNA profiles created across 22 states
- Objective: Support long-term monitoring and conservation strategies
Human-Elephant Conflict Mitigation
- Regional Action Plans discussed for Southern and Northeastern India
- Focus on coordination with Indian Railways, NHAI, Ministry of Power, and mining developers
Wildlife Species Recovery
- Sloth bear and gharial recommended for inclusion in Species Recovery Programme
- Efforts focused on restoring dwindling populations and critical habitats
Summary/Key Details
- Why in the news? 21st Steering Committee Meeting of Project Elephant
- Location: Dehradun
- Census Update: Phase-I completed in Northeast; 16,500 dung samples collected
- Railway Mapping: 3,452.4 km mapped; 77 high-risk areas identified
- Elephant Deaths (Train): 73 deaths (2019–2024)
- DNA Profiling: 1,911 captive elephants profiled across 22 states
- New Additions to Recovery Plan: Sloth bear, Gharial
Key Takeaways for Competitive Exams
- Project Elephant’s Phase-I census completion in Northeast India
- Significant efforts to mitigate elephant-train collisions through railway mapping
- Importance of genetic profiling in conservation strategies
- Regional action plans for human-elephant conflict resolution
- Inclusion of sloth bear and gharial in the Species Recovery Programme
