Project Elephant Review: Census Phase-I Completed
Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav presided over the 21st steering committee meeting of Project Elephant in Dehradun, where the progress of Project Elephant was reviewed, notably, the completion of Phase-I in coordinated census of elephant population in the Northeastern states, the mapping of over 3400km of railway lines to ascertain sites of high-risk for elephant-train collisions, the inclusion of sloth bear and gharial to the Species Recovery Programme, suggest a larger strategic push towards better wildlife conservation and mitigating human-wildlife conflict across India.
The 21st steering committee meeting of Project Elephant formally reviewed its progress in Dehradun. Phase-I of the elephant population census in the Northeast as a whole is complete. Several initiatives for protecting elephants such as mapping sensitive railway lines and DNA profiling were reviewed. Sloth bear and gharial have been added to India’s Species Recovery Programme.
Project Elephant Review
• Meeting Chaired By: Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav.
• Title: To review the progress of Project Elephant, a centrally sponsored scheme aimed at conserving elephants.
• Location: Dehradun.
Population Estimation Updates
• Phase-I of synchronized elephant census is completed in northeastern India.
• 16,500+ dung samples were collected for DNA based population estimation.
• The last official census (2017) estimated 29,964 elephants in India.
• A 2022-23 unpublished interim report indicated a drop in population estimated at 20%.
Railway Collision Mitigation
• 3,452.4 km of sensitive railway stretches were mapped.
• 77 high-risk zones were identified to address elephant fatality.
• Between 2019–2024, 73 elephants died via train collision.
Genetic Profiling of Captive Elephants
- 1,911 DNA profiles created across 22 states.
- Aims to support long-term monitoring and conservation strategies.
Wildlife Species Recovery
- Sloth bear and gharial recommended for inclusion in Species Recovery Programme.
- Focus on restoring dwindling populations and critical habitats.