New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday marked World Elephant Day, stating that the elephant has remained an integral part of India’s ecological heritage.
He expressed happiness that India is home to over 60% of the world’s wild Asian elephants.
The PM noted that the country has 33 Elephant Reserves that provide habitats for elephants and strengthen long-term conservation efforts. He also expressed pride in forest personnel, scientists, veterinarians, mahouts, and local communities who are integral to these efforts, according to an official statement.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister said: “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.”
Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav also marked the occasion, reaffirming India’s commitment to securing a shared future for elephants and people. In a social media post, Yadav noted that India has 33 Elephant Reserves across 14 states and 150 scientifically validated elephant corridors. He said advanced population monitoring and stronger measures to mitigate human-elephant conflict are strengthening conservation efforts.
“When we secure the future of elephants, we secure our forests, biodiversity and ecological heritage,” Yadav said, calling for continued action to ensure elephants can walk freely through India’s forests and landscapes for generations to come.
Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Kirti Vardhan Singh said India is home to one of the richest and most diverse landscapes on Earth. He said nearly 60% of the world’s wild Asian elephants live in India, calling them a living symbol of the country’s ecological heritage. Singh added that under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, India’s elephant reserves stand as a testament to the country’s commitment to conservation.
Singh also highlighted the role of elephants as “ecosystem engineers,” noting that as they roam, they disperse seeds across long distances, giving rise to new plants, with every step helping keep nature in balance. He called upon everyone to unite to protect and preserve the gentle giants.
