India reaffirmed its position as a global leader in elephant conservation on World Elephant Day 2025, with Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Kirti Vardhan Singh highlighting the country’s commitment to protecting its National Heritage Animal.
Speaking at the national celebrations in Coimbatore, Singh said India, which is home to nearly 60% of the world’s wild elephant population, was combining advanced tools such as artificial intelligence, remote sensing and geospatial mapping with traditional knowledge to safeguard elephant habitats. “Our commitment is not just a policy choice but a reflection of civilisational values and ecological responsibility,” he said.
India has 33 Elephant Reserves and 150 identified corridors, making it a global example of harmonious coexistence between people and elephants, the minister noted. He also underlined the cultural and spiritual significance of elephants, revered in Indian tradition and worshipped as the form of Lord Ganesha.
The Coimbatore event brought together foresters, policymakers, wildlife experts and conservationists to discuss strategies for reducing human-elephant conflict and ensuring community participation in conservation efforts. Tamil Nadu, which sustains a sizeable elephant population, plays a crucial role in these initiatives.
On the occasion, Singh presented the Gaj Gaurav Awards to mahouts, forest guards and other frontline conservation workers from Arunachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh for their exemplary contributions.
A document titled Healthy Feet, Healthy Elephants: A Guide to Foot Care in Captive Asian Elephants was released, offering practical recommendations to improve elephant foot health through better hygiene, preventive care and early diagnosis.
The ministry also launched a nationwide awareness campaign involving 12 lakh students from 5,000 schools to spread awareness on elephant conservation. A workshop on human-elephant conflict brought together representatives from elephant range states to share best practices on habitat management, corridor protection and community engagement.
The celebrations, held as part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, concluded with a pledge to ensure future generations inherit thriving forest ecosystems and a secure habitat for elephants.