Govt Acts on Elephant Deaths, Aravalli Protection

Following recent incidents of elephant fatalities involving trains, Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Changes, Yadav, announced new safety measures. All states have been instructed to monitor elephant movements along railway tracks and coordinate with forest departments. A report detailing elephant deaths in Assam has been requested, with a special team formed in that region, as well as other elephant habitats, including local stakeholders, forest officials, and railway personnel.

Regarding the Aravalli Hills, the minister stated that mining is permitted on only 0.19% of the 1.44 lakh sq km area, with the remaining land fully preserved. These actions align with the Supreme Court's recent guidelines concerning the definition of Aravalli Hills and Ranges, which came into effect on November 20, 2025. The government is actively addressing human-elephant conflict, identifying 1,100 accident zones nationwide and ensuring district magistrates update forest departments on elephant movements near highways.

Conservation efforts for tigers and elephants in the Sundarbans were also highlighted, with significant funds allocated over the past five years, though utilization remains a concern. The minister emphasized science-based management, landscape planning, and community participation for tiger conservation. Discussions also covered Project Cheetah expansion and preparations for a Global Big Cat Summit, underscoring India's commitment to wildlife protection.