Sambhav-2025

Approach Briefly introduce Project Elephant. Analyze its impact on Elephant Conservation Discuss its effectiveness in mitigating human-elephant conflicts. Conclude suitably.

Introduction

Project Elephant, launched in 1992 as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS), aims to protect elephant populations, restore their habitats, and mitigate human-elephant conflict (HEC). India is home to 60% of the global Asian elephant population, making conservation efforts crucial.

Body

Impact of Project Elephant on Conservation:

• Population Trends
  • India's elephant population has increased from 25,000 (1992) to 30.000 (2021), indicating a stable growth trend.
  • Karnataka (6,049), Assam (5,719), and Kerala (5,706) have the highest populations.
  • Recognition of elephants as India’s National Heritage Animal (2010) has reinforced conservation efforts.
• Habitat Protection and Elephant Reserves
  • India has notified 33 Elephant Reserves across 14 major elephant-holding states, covering an area of approximately 80,778 square kilometers.
  • Examples:
    • Dandeli ER (Karnataka) – part of the Western Ghats elephant corridor.
    • Mayurjharna ER (West Bengal) – India's first ER focused on habitat restoration.
• Corridor Protection and Connectivity
  • Identification of 101 Elephant Corridors to ensure habitat connectivity.
  • Gaj Yatra (2017-2019): Awareness campaign covering 12 elephant range states to protect corridors.
• Legal and Anti-Poaching Measures
  • Elephants enjoy highest legal protection under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
  • Monitoring of Illegal Killing of Elephants (MIKE) Program (2003) under CITES helps track poaching cases.
  • Patrolling and intelligence networks have reduced poaching, though illegal captivity remains an issue.

Effectiveness in Mitigating Human-Elephant Conflict (HEC)

• Human casualties: Over 500 people die annually due to elephant encounters (2018-2023 data).
• Habitat Fragmentation: Rapid infrastructure development (railways, highways) cuts elephant corridors.
  • Elephant deaths: Over 100 elephants killed annually, primarily due to railway accidents, electrocution, and poisoning.
  • States with high HEC cases: West Bengal, Odisha, Assam, and Jharkhand.
• Slow Implementation: Less than half of the identified corridors are legally protected.

Strategies to Mitigate Human-Elephant Conflicts

• Habitat Restoration:
  • Expanding elephant reserves and reforestation programs to restore lost corridors.
  • Implementation of the Eco-sensitive Zone (ESZ) policy around protected areas.
• Advanced Technology for Conflict Management:
  • Use of AI-based monitoring, satellite tracking, and geo-fencing to predict movements.
    • AI-based monitoring cameras in Odisha track elephants near human settlements.
  • Deployment of automated deterrents like sound alarms and drones.
    • SMS-based alerts in Assam and Tamil Nadu warn villagers about elephant movement.
• Community-Led Conservation:
  • Promotion of sustainable farming practices and buffer zones to reduce direct contact.
  • Strengthening local rapid response teams for early intervention.
    • Use of beehive fences (Karnataka) and bio-fencing with citrus trees (Tamil Nadu) to prevent elephant raids.
• Policy and Legislative Reforms:
  • Stricter enforcement of land-use regulations in elephant habitats.
  • Integration of elephant conservation into urban planning and railway projects.

Conclusion

While Project Elephant has significantly improved conservation, persistent human-elephant conflicts necessitate multi-stakeholder collaboration, advanced technology, and strong policy interventions to ensure long-term coexistence.