Distressing reports of large-scale elephant deaths show that the ‘Project Elephant’ programme started in 1992 — to address various issues like man-animal conflict and the conservation of elephants — needs to be revived on a war footing (“Four elephants electrocuted in Kodagu” and “In Kerala, 14 have died in captivity this year”, both June 28). States can implement initiatives to strengthen Centrally-driven wildlife conservation programmes and work with establishments in formulating steps to address problems such as electrocution. Without the participation of local residents in and around forest areas, such issues cannot be resolved. Protecting primary species will ensure overall protection of the ecosystem. As Article 48A of the Constitution, on the “Protection and improvement of environment and safeguarding of forests and wild life”, says: “The State shall endeavour to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wildlife of the country.”
Archana Venkata Madhva Raj,
Thoothukkudi, Tamil Nadu
