Question : POACHING OF ELEPHANTS

(a) whether unnatural deaths including killing of elephants have been reported from various States;

(b) if so, the details thereof during the last three years and the current year, State-wise;

(c) the action taken by the Government in this regard and steps taken for protection of elephants; and

(d) the funds released for protection of elephants and restoration of elephant corridors separately, State-wise?

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT, FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE (SHRI PRAKASH JAVADEKAR)

(a) & (b) Yes Sir. The details of elephant deaths due to train hits, electrocution, poaching and poisoning, state-wise, as per the available records in the Ministry, for the last three years are at Annexure I.

(c) Important action taken by the Government for protection of Elephant are as below:

(i) Joint advisories have been issued by Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) and Ministry of Railways (MoRs) to all the concerned states to take precautionary measures to avoid deaths of elephants by speeding trains. These are as following:

 1.	Clearance of Vegetation on the sides of Railway tracks. 2.	Underpasses/overpasses across the Railway track to allow elephants to escape. 3.	Signage boards to pre-warn the Train Drivers. 4.	Sensitising programmes for Train Drivers/Guards/Station Masters. 5.	Engagement of Elephant trackers by Ministry of Environment and Forests and communication with Station Masters. 6.	To keep Railway track free from food waste that attracts elephants. 
 

 1.	Protection of Elephant with establishment of anti-poaching camps, reward to informers and expenses on intelligence gathering etc. 2.	Protection of Elephant Habitat and Corridors. 3.	Eliciting Public Support Services including Eco-development. 4.	Improvement of support Services (including monitoring, training and research). 5.	Captive Elephant management and welfare.