‘People’s beliefs, culture and tradition lead to elephant prospering in Assam’, says Forest Minister Suklaibaidya

Aug. 12: Minister for Environment and Forest, Parimal Suklabaidya said the people’s beliefs, culture and tradition in Assam have led to the elephant prospering in the state in spite of sporadic conflicts occurring in certain pockets.

Extending greetings to the people of Assam on the occasion of World Elephant Day on Thursday, Minister Suklabaidya said, “It is because of the people’s beliefs, culture and tradition in Assam that have led to the elephant prospering in the state in spite of sporadic conflicts occurring in certain pockets. It is this positive attitude towards the elephant that has complemented the slew of initiatives of the Assam Forest department in conserving this majestic and magnificent species,” he quipped.

Synchronising with the World Elephant Day, Suklaibaidya said, “We are duty-bound to enhance our efforts and find innovative means to conserve this species without jeopardising the aspirational needs of the state. Technological interventions for surveillance, monitoring, mitigating conflict besides estimation need to be institutionalised in order to increase operational effectiveness.” He called upon all to reiterate ‘our legacy of fruitful relationships with the gentle giants and continue to march ahead towards a balanced biodiversity in the overall well-being of mother nature’.

Assam is one of the strongholds of the Asian elephant. Of the 50 percent population in India, Assam holds nearly 20 percent of the Asian elephant population being second only to Karnataka. As per 2017 census, Assam has 5,719 elephants while Karnataka has 6,049 elephants. The elephant population in Assam increased from 5,246 in 2002 to 5,719 in 2017.

Elephant Day is an international event to create awareness regarding the species conservation. This day also focuses on issues of enforcement policies to prevent ivory trade, conserving elephant habitats and better protection and management for wild and captive elephants.