It?s time to save the jumbos | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

It?s time to save the jumbos

None | ByNandini R Iyer, New Delhi
Mar 28, 2006 02:53 PM IST

Wildlife activists have warned there won't be any elephants left in Uttaranchal in next 25 years, writes Nandini Iyer.

It had needed Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's intervention for the government to even admit that tigers were on the decline in India. It appears that elephants might also need a similar consideration for their survival.

HT Image
HT Image

Even as wildlife activists warn there won't be any elephants left in Uttaranchal in the next 25 years, a Parliamentary panel has criticised the Ministry of Environment and Forests for not taking sufficient interest in Project Elephant.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Activists say reports of elephants meeting their death at the hands of poachers, during crop raids or while crossing railway tracks have become so commonplace that people have stopped reacting.

In November last year, a speeding vehicle hit a elephant on a road, where it was left to die. In view of such incidents, a report tabled recently by the Standing Committee on Environment and Forests has highlighted the government's lack of strategy to protect the elephant.

Asking the ministry to recognise that, "the tusk is as precious as tiger skin and not immune from poachers" the report suggests "an effective strategy be evolved for their (elephants) protection".

Stating that "elephant corridors alone are not sufficient to protect the animal," it said there was need for anti-poaching measures as well.

The panel has suggested that state governments be granted funds to manage habitats, reduce man-animal conflict and speed up  ex-gratia grants for losses caused by wild elephants.

Unveiling Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on India News, Election 2024, Arvind Kejriwal News Live, Bihar Board 10th Result 2024 Live along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Thursday, March 28, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On