Event Overview:
In June 2025, Union Minister Bhupendra Yadav of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change chaired the twenty-first Steering Committee Meeting of Project Elephant. The meeting was held at the Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy in Dehradun, Uttarakhand.
The committee reviewed progress on key initiatives under Project Elephant and discussed the way forward for elephant conservation across India.
Highlights of the Meeting:
Point one. The Union Minister called for coordinated efforts involving the Indian Railways, Ministry of Power, National Highway Authority of India, and mine developers to help reduce human-wildlife conflict.
Point two. It was highlighted that as part of efforts to reduce elephant deaths caused by train collisions, a total of three thousand four hundred fifty two kilometers of railway lines were surveyed. Additionally, seventy seven high-risk areas were identified as sensitive zones needing special attention.
Point three. Preparations for World Elephant Day celebrations were also discussed. The event will be held on August twelve, two thousand twenty five, in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, where the Gaj Awards will also be presented.