Earlier, the government had decided to declare the elephant as a national heritage animal. The Environment and Forest Ministry recommended the move and the Elephant Task Force was approved by the standing committee of National Board of Wildlife (NBWL) in its meeting on October 13.
The Ministry also plans to amend Wildlife (Protection) Act for setting up of National Elephants Conservation Authority (NECA) as the tiger conservation has been constituted in the country.
To secure the future for elephants in India, such move is undoubtedly an initiative measure by the government. According to the task force, there are over 25,000 elephants in the country, including 3,500 in zoos and temples-- particularly in southern region like Kerala and north-eastern parts of the country.