Critical Evaluation of Elephant Corridor Report 2023

• 07 Nov 2023

For Prelims: Elephant Corridors, Electrocution, Project Elephant, Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, Elephant Reserves.

For Mains: Issues arising out of Design and Implementation of Government Policies and Interventions, Major Takeaways from Elephant Corridors of India, 2023 Report.

Source: DTE

Why in News?

Several discrepancies have been identified in the recently published “Elephant Corridors of India, 2023” report by the central government.

What are the Major Discrepancies Observed in the Elephant Corridors of India 2023 Report?

• Corridor Definition Inconsistencies: Critics argue that the initial significance of corridors has been diluted, as there is a trend to label any area where elephants move as corridors.
  • This has led to the classification of landscapes and habitats as corridors in the report and the subsequent surge in the number of elephant corridors.
• North and Northeast Corridor Discrepancies: Critics argue that while certain areas in West Bengal are suitable for elephants due to small forest patches, most regions elephants traverse in South Bengal are dominated by agriculture.
  • The report proposes linking these areas to other elephant landscapes, a departure from the original intent of a corridor.
  • Expansive corridors might escalate human-elephant conflicts.
• Dangers to Elephants: Critics argue that the expansion of elephant ranges has also led to increased incidents of elephant deaths due to electrocution and falling into wells.

What are the Project Elephant Directives on Elephant Corridors?

• In 2005-06, Project Elephant issued directives to states regarding elephant corridors. It stated that corridors in forest areas should adhere to the rules outlined in the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
  • Meanwhile, areas with revenue and private lands were instructed to comply with the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 as eco-sensitive areas, potentially prohibiting red-category industries.

What are Elephant Corridors?

• About:
  • Elephant corridors are strips of land that enable elephant movement between two or more friendly habitats.
• Major Takeaways from Elephant Corridors of India, 2023 Report:
  • The report highlighted a surge of 62 new corridors, marking a 40% increase since 2010, now totalling 150 corridors across the nation.
  • West Bengal has the highest number of elephant corridors, totaling 26, constituting 17% of the total corridors.
    • The East central region contributes 35% (52 corridors), and the North East region follows as the second-largest with 32% (48 corridors).
    • Southern India registered 32 elephant corridors, representing 21% of the total, while northern India has the lowest count of 18 corridors, amounting to 12%.
  • Elephants have expanded their ranges in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra and southern Maharashtra bordering Karnataka.
    • Their presence has also increased in areas such as Madhya Pradesh within the Sanjay Tiger Reserves and Bandhavgarh, along with expanded ranges in northern Andhra Pradesh, allowing movement from Odisha.

UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)

Prelims

Q. With reference to Indian elephants, consider the following statements: (2020)

1. The leader of an elephant group is a female.
2. The maximum gestation period can be 22 months.
3. An elephant can normally go on calving till the age of 40 years only.
4. Among the States in India, the highest elephant population is in Kerala.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only 
(b) 2 and 4 only 
(c) 3 only 
(d) 1, 3 and 4 only

Ans: (a)