On World Elephant Day lets show more love and compassion to the gentle giants

Bhargobi Khaund

On August 12, the world comes together to celebrate World Elephant Day, a global event that underscores the vital role the gentle giants play in our ecosystem. Beyond their majesty and grandeur, this day sheds light on the challenges these magnificent creatures face almost on a daily basis as elephant-human conflict is a very common occurrence particularly in the villages of Assam.
While India’s elephant population stands at over 30,000, despite all odds, Assam proudly boasts of being home to 5,700 elephants.

However, inspite of the best efforts of the government and conservationists, the state lost as many as 1,330 jumbos from 2001 till now. The reasons for their tragic deaths has either been electrocution, train accidents or due to lightning strikes.

World Elephant Day: Founder’s Vision and the Theme This Year

World Elephant Day was conceived in 2012 by Patricia Sims, a dedicated Canadian conservationist, in collaboration with Thailand’s Elephant Reintroduction Foundation. A platform that transcends borders, this day champions the preservation of elephants and their habitats. The theme for 2023, “Safeguarding Elephant Habitats for a Sustainable Tomorrow,” resonates deeply, underscoring the need to protect and nurture the natural landscapes that elephants depend upon for their survival and the inheritance of future generations.

Assam: A Sanctuary for the Gentle Giants

Nestled in the northeastern reaches of India, Assam emerges as a pivotal conservation hub for Asian elephants. The state has five dedicated Elephant Reserves showcasing the state’s dedication and commitment to safeguard these incredible beings.

Elephant Reserves in Assam

• Chirang-Ripu Elephant Reserve: Encompassing Kokrajhar, Chirang, Baksa, and Udalguri, this reserve acts as a haven for elephants in the region.
• Sonitpur Elephant Reserve: Devoted to the preservation of elephants in Sonitpur district, this reserve ensures their safety and well-being.
• Dihing Patkai Elephant Reserve: Stretching across Dibrugarh and Tinsukia, this reserve provides a protected sanctuary for elephants.
• Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong Elephant Reserve: Spanning Sonitpur, Nagaon, Golaghat, and Karbi Anglong, this reserve’s expanse safeguards diverse elephant habitats.
• Dhansiri-Lungding Elephant Reserve: Covering Karbi Anglong, Nagaon, and N.C. Hills, this reserve is instrumental in maintaining elephant populations.

Bridging Challenges with Conservation

While Assam stands as a sanctuary for elephants, it is not without its challenges. The intricate dance between humans and elephants often leads to tragic outcomes for both. In the period between 2014 and 2022, wild elephant attacks claimed 3,938 human lives across India, with Assam witnessing 561 of these unfortunate deaths and 189 elephant casualties. Electrocution stands as a significant threat, highlighting the pressing need for enhanced coexistence strategies and fortified habitat protection.

Assam’s Dedicated Approach

Assam’s Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, marked World Elephant Day with a tweet, urging the celebration and protection of these majestic creatures that profoundly influence ecosystems. Assam has enacted multiple measures to preserve elephant habitats and mitigate man-elephant conflicts, showcasing its unwavering commitment to these giants.

Challenges: Elephants and Railway

Tragic incidents of elephant deaths, such as those caused by train collisions, cast shadows over Assam’s conservation efforts. A recent incident involving two goods trains led to the demise of two elephants, including a pregnant one, underscoring the need for enhanced measures to protect elephants from railway-related dangers.

The Tragic Case of Joymala

Assam’s engagement in elephant conservation has not been without controversies. The case of elephant Joymala, leased to Tamil Nadu, raised concerns about animal welfare and rights violations. A video released by PETA India showed how Joymala was abused, ill-treated by her keepers, spurring swift action by the Assam government to investigate the situation. While efforts were made to ensure Joymala’s safety, her return to Assam is yet to be confirmed.

World Elephant Day serves as a poignant reminder that elephants, those charismatic giants in the wild, are pivotal to maintaining our planet’s biodiversity. Assam’s ongoing commitment to elephant conservation sets an example for the world, urging us to collectively work towards a future where elephants thrive alongside humanity in harmony.

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