Guwahati, Oct 8 (IANS) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Thursday that the state has the second-highest number of elephants in the country, with more than 5,800 of the majestic animals inhabiting its forests.
In a post on social media platform X, CM Sarma highlighted Assam’s rich wildlife heritage and its significance as an important habitat for the country’s elephant population.
“Assam ranks second in the country in terms of the number of elephants,” the Chief Minister said, adding that more than 5,800 elephants roam the state’s forests.
Referring to Assam’s spiritual and cultural identity, CM Sarma said the presence of a large elephant population was particularly symbolic in a state associated with the revered Kamakhya temple.
“Where Mother Kamakhya resides, it is only natural for Lord Gajanana to be present as well,” he said, referring to Lord Ganesha, who is traditionally depicted with an elephant head.
Assam is known for its extensive forest cover, biodiversity and diverse wildlife, with elephants forming an important part of its natural ecosystem.
The state’s forests and protected areas provide critical habitats for Asian elephants and support several other species of national and global conservation significance.
The elephant population also plays an important role in maintaining ecological balance, as the animals contribute to seed dispersal and influence the structure and regeneration of forest ecosystems.
However, the presence of elephants in areas close to human settlements has also remained a challenge in parts of Assam, where human-elephant conflict has periodically resulted in loss of lives, damage to crops and destruction of property.
Conservation efforts in the state have therefore focused on protecting elephant habitats, maintaining forest corridors and reducing conflict between communities and wildlife.
Chief Minister Sarma’s post comes as the Assam government continues to highlight the state’s natural and cultural heritage as an important part of its identity.
The Chief Minister’s remarks also underscore the importance of protecting the state’s forests and wildlife while balancing conservation with the livelihood needs of communities living around forest areas.
With more than 5,800 elephants, Assam remains one of the country’s key elephant habitats and an important contributor to India’s wildlife conservation efforts.
The state’s rich biodiversity, combined with its deep cultural and religious traditions, continues to make wildlife conservation a significant part of Assam’s environmental identity.
–IANS
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