Guwahati: A key stakeholder consultation on the Regional Action Plan for Elephant Conservation in Northeast India was held at Kaziranga. The September 11 session brought together top forest officials, conservation experts, researchers, and community representatives.
High-Level Participation in Kaziranga Meet
The meeting was convened in the presence of a Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) committee led by S.B.S. Bonal, former ADG (PT & NTCA). Senior Assam forest officials, including M.K. Yadava (Retd.), Special Chief Secretary (EFCC), and Dr. Vinay Gupta, PCCF (CWLW), participated in the discussions.
Tackling Conflict and Connectivity
Deliberations focused on human-elephant conflict, habitat connectivity, and the critical role of community participation. Representatives of Eco-Development Committees (EDCs), Village Defence Parties (VDPs), and local communities joined researchers and conservation practitioners to propose practical strategies.
Northeast India, home to 13 elephant reserves, plays a central role in the survival of wild Asian elephants. Reserves across Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Nagaland, and Meghalaya are linked through seasonal and long-distance migratory routes that support genetic diversity and reduce conflict.
Key Objectives of the Action Plan
The Regional Action Plan, developed under MoEFCC’s Project Elephant, outlines six major goals:
- Protection of elephants and habitats through anti-poaching, enforcement, and corridor restoration.
- Conflict mitigation with early-warning systems, rapid response units, and livelihood support for communities.
- Combating poaching and illegal trade by disrupting ivory networks and strengthening intelligence.
- Research and monitoring using surveys, veterinary surveillance, and geospatial technologies.
- Captive elephant welfare through healthcare, rescue, and rehabilitation measures.
- Inter-sectoral cooperation to integrate ecological, social, and economic aspects in policies.
Officials stressed that the plan must remain grounded in local realities and ensure community involvement. Continuous monitoring and evaluation were highlighted as essential for success.
Rooted in Local Realities
“Effective elephant conservation in the region depends on protecting habitats and making communities equal partners,” participants emphasised during the session.
