NewzVille Desk
Today is World Elephant Day. To celebrate it a special function was organized by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change at Coimbatore, Tamilnadu. Minister of State Kirti Vardhan inaugurated the function.
Tamil Nadu, known for its rich biodiversity and cultural heritage, sustains a sizeable elephant population and plays a crucial role in mitigating conflicts between people and elephants. The Coimbatore event brought together foresters, policymakers, wildlife experts, civil society organisations, and conservationists to exchange knowledge and strategies that foster elephant conservation while addressing the challenges of human-elephant coexistence.
MoS Singh addressing the gathering said, “India’s commitment to elephant conservation is not merely a policy choice, but a reflection of our civilizational values and ecological responsibility.”
With 33 Elephant Reserves, 150 scientifically identified corridors, and nearly 60% of the world’s wild elephant population thriving within its borders, India has emerged as a global exemplar of harmonious coexistence—where legal protections, scientific planning, and cultural reverence come together to safeguard the future of its National Heritage Animal. Elephants are accorded the status of National Heritage Animal and hold a revered place in India’s culture and traditions.
During the event, Kirti Vardhan Singh conferred the Gaj Gaurav Awards to individuals for their exemplary contributions in elephant conservation and management.
A key highlight of the event was the release of the document “Healthy Feet, Healthy Elephants: A Guide to Foot Care in Captive Asian Elephants”.
A nationwide awareness campaign was also initiated, engaging approximately 12 lakh students from about 5,000 schools to spread awareness about elephant conservation.
A Workshop on Human-Elephant Conflict (HEC) was also organised, bringing together representatives from elephant range states to share field experiences, best practices, and innovations for conflict mitigation.
