India leading sustainable future for elephants: Environment minister
India is pioneering a sustainable future for elephants by combining cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), remote sensing, and geospatial mapping with traditional knowledge to protect their habitats, Minister of State for Environment Kirti Vardhan Singh said on Thursday.
He also underlined the need for cross-sectoral engagement, community participation and scientific approaches to reduce human–elephant conflict while ensuring the well-being of local communities.
Singh made these comments during an event to mark World Elephant Day 2026 -- celebrated on August 12 every year — in Visakhapatnam.
“India’s commitment to elephant conservation is not merely a policy choice, but a reflection of our civilisational values and ecological responsibility,” he added.
The minister highlighted that with 33 elephant reserves, 150 scientifically identified elephant corridors and nearly 60 per cent of the world’s wild Asian elephant population, India continues to play a leading role in elephant conservation.
“Human–elephant conflict is a complex issue and it requires a coordinated solution by including various stakeholders and utilising scientific data after its ground-level validation,” Singh said.
