22^nd Steering Committee Meeting of Project Elephant

The 22^nd Steering Committee Meeting of Project Elephant and 28^th Meeting of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) were convened on 21^st December 2025 at the Sundarbans Tiger Reserve, West Bengal, under the chairmanship of Shri Bhupender Yadav, Hon’ble Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

The Steering Committee Meeting of Project Elephant began with the confirmation of the Action Taken Report of the 21^st meeting, followed by discussions on issues raised by Members and Permanent Invitees. The Committee reviewed the status of Regional Action Plans for Elephant conservation in Southern and North-Eastern India, noting progress by elephant range states and identifying priority areas for enhanced inter-state coordination.

Key updates were presented on the All-India Synchronized Elephant Estimation, progress on the Nilgiri Elephant Reserve conservation plan, and advancements in DNA profiling of captive elephants. The Committee also undertook a comprehensive review of human-elephant conflict, mitigation measures, compensation mechanisms, and the use of technology-driven solutions, including AI-based initiatives. Additional deliberations covered the evaluation of elephant population estimation methods, integrated conservation and management initiatives for the Chirang-Ripu Elephant Reserve.

On this occasion, two important Project Elephant publications were released:

• TRUMPET – Quarterly Journal (December 2025 issue)
• Elephant Care and Management for Elephant Handlers

Images for upload are listed below:

World Elephant Day 2025 Celebrated in Coimbatore

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) along with technical support of Tamil Nadu Forest Department and Elephant Cell at Wildlife Institute of India, celebrated World Elephant Day 2025 in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. The event was inaugurated by Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh, Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest & Climate Change, under the theme “Showcasing India’s commitment to elephant conservation and promoting human–elephant coexistence.”

The programme highlighted India’s unique role as the custodian of nearly 60% of the global wild Asian elephant population, with elephants recognized as the country’s National Heritage Animal. Emphasis was placed on adopting advanced tools such as artificial intelligence, geospatial mapping, and remote sensing alongside traditional knowledge and community participation to ensure the long-term survival of elephants. The importance of reducing human–elephant conflict (HEC) while safeguarding community well-being was a central message.

A key highlight was the Gaj Gaurav Awards 2025, which honoured grassroots-level frontline staff and mahouts for their exemplary contributions to elephant conservation. Awardees included Shri Ganesh Tamang and Shri Sumit Gogoi from Arunachal Pradesh, Shri Kesu Singh Walke and Shri Sahadan Ram Lakada from Madhya Pradesh, Shri M. Murali and Shri S. Karthikeyan from Tamil Nadu, and Shri Irshad Ali from Uttar Pradesh. Their dedication to protecting elephants and supporting conflict mitigation reflects the human dimension of conservation.

The celebrations extended to schools across South India through an Elephant Conservation Pledge, translated into multiple regional languages and implemented in 5,518 schools, engaging over 15 lakh students. A vibrant painting competition on the theme of Human–Elephant Coexistence was organized at Kikani Vidhya Mandhir, Coimbatore. Students showcased their creativity, with Ms. G. Jeyasudha winning the first prize, followed by Ms. A. T. Harsitha Lakshmi and Mr. G. P. Sanjai.

The event also saw the release of important resources, including the guide “Healthy Feet, Healthy Elephants” on captive elephant foot care and the special issue of WII’s newsletter Trumpet, titled “Elephant and Tribes of India.” The Tamil Nadu Forest Department launched innovative initiatives, such as the HAWK App for AI-powered crime and wildlife monitoring, along with two publications—An Ancient Bond: The Elephant Whisperers of Mudumalai and a children’s book The Lost Elephant and The Soul Tree.

The programme was enriched by participation from senior officers of MoEF&CC, the Tamil Nadu Forest Department, and trainees from CASFOS (Dehradun) and TNFA (Tamil Nadu). An exhibition featured AI-enabled equipment, wildlife monitoring tools, and creative artefacts made from invasive species wood, showcasing cross-sectoral innovation in elephant conservation.