India's Supreme Court Enacts Measures to Protect Elephants

Aug 21, 2026

68 min

Aug 21, 2026 09:31

Top India court orders new steps to protect threatened elephants

## New Court Directives

India's Supreme Court has mandated new protective measures for wild elephants, addressing the growing threats from habitat loss and human conflict. The court's decision, announced on Monday, aims to safeguard elephant corridors, crucial pathways for the animals' movement between habitats.

## Survey and Ban on Harmful Practices

The court has instructed states to conduct surveys to identify and remove obstacles in these corridors. Additionally, it has banned the use of "hulla parties," which employ fireballs and burning stakes to drive elephants away, a practice conservationists argue exacerbates conflicts.

## Conservation Efforts

Prerna Singh Bindra, a wildlife conservationist, emphasized the importance of this ruling. She noted that despite existing guidelines, elephant corridors have often been obstructed, leading to increased human-elephant conflicts. Bindra's petition highlighted the need to end cruel practices against elephants.

## Challenges Facing Elephants

With fewer than 50,000 Asian elephants remaining in the wild, primarily in India, the species faces significant challenges from habitat fragmentation and human encroachment. Elephants are legally protected in India and hold cultural significance, yet they continue to encounter threats from expanding infrastructure and human activities.

## Hope for Change

Bindra expressed hope that the Supreme Court's order will lead to meaningful action to preserve elephant habitats. She stressed the urgency of protecting these corridors to ensure the survival of elephants in densely populated regions.

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