WILDLIFE: WORLD ELEPHANT DAY: PRIME MINISTER NARENDRA MODI HAILS INDIA’S 33 ELEPHANT RESERVES AND CONSERVATION EFFORTS

(Securing the Future of Elephants Means Securing Our Forests, Biodiversity and Ecological Heritage:  Bhupender Yadav)

TTT NEWS NETWORK

NEW DELHI | 12 AUGUST 2026

“On World Elephant Day, we celebrate the majestic elephant which has remained an integral part of India’s ecological heritage. It is gladdening that India is home to over 60% of the world’s wild Asian elephants. Our nation has 33 Elephant Reserves, which provide habitats for elephants and strengthen our efforts towards their long-term conservation. We are also proud of all forest personnel, scientists, veterinarians, mahouts and the local communities who are integral to all such efforts, “ Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi today.

On the occasion of World Elephant Day 2026, Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav, reaffirmed India’s commitment to securing a shared future for elephants and people.

In a post on social media, the Minister noted that India has 33 Elephant Reserves across 14 States and 150 scientifically validated elephant corridors. Shri Yadav said advanced population monitoring and stronger measures would mitigate human-elephant conflict are strengthening elephant conservation.

The Minister further stated, “when we secure the future of elephants, we secure our forests, biodiversity and ecological heritage”. The Minister called for an action to ensure that the elephant continues to walk freely through India’s forests and landscapes for generations to come.

On the occasion, in a social media post, Union MoS (EFCC), Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh, stated that India is home to one of the richest and most diverse landscapes on Earth. Shri Singh said that nearly 60 per cent of the world’s wild Asian elephants live in India, making them a living symbol of the country’s ecological heritage. The Minister further stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister  Narendra Modi, India’s elephant reserves stand as a testament to the country’s commitment towards conservation.

Shri Kriti Vardhan Singh also highlighted the role of elephants as ecosystem engineers. Shri Singh said that as elephants roam, they disperse seeds across long distances, giving rise to new plants, and that every step of an elephant helps keep nature in balance. He called upon everyone to unite to protect and preserve these gentle giants.