New Delhi: On World Elephant Day 2026, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav reiterated India’s commitment to protecting elephants, forests and biodiversity.
India has 33 Elephant Reserves across 14 States and 150 scientifically validated elephant corridors.
Focus on Elephant Conservation
Yadav said advanced population monitoring and stronger measures to reduce human-elephant conflict are strengthening conservation efforts.
He stressed that protecting elephants also means protecting forests, biodiversity and India’s ecological heritage.
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Nearly 60% of Wild Asian Elephants in India
Union Minister of State Kirti Vardhan Singh said nearly 60% of the world’s wild Asian elephants live in India.
He highlighted the country’s elephant reserves as an important part of India’s conservation efforts.
Elephants Support Forest Ecosystems
Singh described elephants as ecosystem engineers because they help maintain natural forest processes.
As they move through forests, elephants disperse seeds over long distances, supporting plant growth and forest regeneration.
Reducing Human-Elephant Conflict
The government is focusing on population monitoring and measures to reduce human-elephant conflict.
The 150 identified elephant corridors are important for allowing elephants to move between habitats while supporting safer coexistence with local communities.
Protecting Elephants, Protecting Nature
The Centre said continued conservation efforts are essential to ensure elephants can move freely through India’s forests for generations.
The World Elephant Day message also underlined the wider significance of elephant protection for forests, biodiversity and ecological balance.
