What Are the Outcomes of the Stakeholders' Meeting on Elephant Conservation in Northeast?
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Synopsis
Join us as we explore the recent stakeholders' meeting in Guwahati focused on the critical action plan for elephant conservation in Northeast India. This conference gathered key participants to tackle pressing issues and strategize solutions for the protection of elephants and their habitats in this vital region.
Key Takeaways
- Stakeholders emphasized the need for habitat protection and restoration.
- Human-elephant conflict is a critical issue needing immediate attention.
- Community participation is essential for successful conservation strategies.
- Elephant corridors play a vital role in the movement and survival of elephants.
- Collaboration among experts, government, and local communities is key to effective conservation.
Guwahati, Sep 12 (NationPress) A consultation involving stakeholders regarding the regional action plan for elephant conservation in the Northeast took place on Friday at the Kohora Convention Centre located in Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR), recognized as India’s seventh UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Director of KNPTR, Sonali Ghosh, noted that the session was attended by a committee from the MoEFCC (Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change), led by B.S. Bonal, a retired officer from the Indian Forest Service.
The committee's visit to KNPTR spanned from September 9 to 12.
Northeast India hosts 13 significant elephant reserves that offer essential habitats for the region's wild elephants and support their conservation across the landscape.
According to Ghosh, the major elephant reserves in the Northeast include Kameng and South Arunachal in Arunachal Pradesh; Sonitpur, Dihing-Patkai, Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong, Dhansiri-Lungding, and Chirang-Ripu in Assam; Intanki and Singphan in Nagaland; and Garo Hills and Khasi-hills in Meghalaya.
These reserves are linked by several elephant corridors, facilitating seasonal and long-distance migration, which is crucial for maintaining genetic diversity and minimizing human-elephant conflict, as stated by the KNPTR Director.
She emphasized: “The identification, protection, and restoration of these corridors are essential for the survival of elephants in the region, enabling their movement between fragmented habitats amidst infrastructural development and habitat fragmentation.”
The consultation on Friday also gathered a diverse array of participants, including researchers, representatives from Eco-Development Committees (EDC), Village Defence Parties (VDP), and local community members.
Discussions aimed at identifying actionable strategies to tackle the challenges of elephant conservation in the region, especially focusing on human-elephant conflict, habitat connectivity, and community involvement.
Ghosh highlighted that the Regional Action Plan for Elephants proposed by the MoEFCC emphasizes the protection of wild elephant populations, securing their habitats and corridors, and reducing human-elephant conflict (HEC) through coordinated management, community engagement, and anti-poaching initiatives.
Attendees of the meeting included retired IFS officer M.K. Yadava, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Assam, Vinay Gupta, and various experts dedicated to elephant conservation.
KNPTR, recognized as India’s seventh UNESCO World Heritage site, encompasses three wildlife divisions: the Eastern Assam Wildlife Division, Bokakhat; the Bishwanath Wildlife Division, Biswanath Chariali; and the Nagaon Wildlife Division, Nagaon.
This park is home to a remarkable population of the 'Big Five', with the 2022 census reporting 2,613 Greater One-horned Rhinoceroses, 104 Bengal Tigers, 1,228 Asian Elephants as of 2024, 2,565 Wild Water Buffaloes recorded in 2022, and 1,129 Eastern Swamp Deer also noted in 2022.
Point of View
I recognize the importance of stakeholders' collaboration in addressing conservation challenges. The recent meeting in Guwahati serves as a crucial stepping stone towards safeguarding elephant populations in Northeast India. It is imperative that we engage local communities, researchers, and government bodies to create a comprehensive strategy that balances development with ecological preservation.
NationPress
13/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the stakeholders' consultation?
The consultation aims to discuss and strategize the Regional Action Plan for Elephant Conservation in Northeast India, focusing on habitat protection, human-elephant conflict, and community involvement.
Where was the meeting held?
The meeting took place at the Kohora Convention Centre in Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve.
Who attended the meeting?
The meeting was attended by conservation experts, local community representatives, Eco-Development Committees, and officials from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
What are the major elephant reserves in Northeast India?
Key elephant reserves include Kameng and South Arunachal in Arunachal Pradesh, Sonitpur, Dihing-Patkai, Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong, Dhansiri-Lungding, and Chirang-Ripu in Assam, and reserves in Nagaland and Meghalaya.
Why are elephant corridors important?
Elephant corridors are crucial for facilitating migration and maintaining genetic diversity while reducing human-elephant conflict.
