Elephants are guardians of our forests, says Pawan Kalyan on World Elephant Day

Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Environment and Forests K. Pawan Kalyan reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting elephants on the occasion of World Elephant Day on Wednesday (August 12, 2026).

In a social media post, he said elephants were not just majestic creatures of the wild but guardians of the forests. They were a symbol of ecological balance and an integral part of India’s natural heritage, and he reaffirmed the commitment to protecting them and the landscapes they call home, he said.

The long-standing commitment through Project Elephant, strengthened under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reflected India’s resolve to protect these gentle giants, secure their habitats and corridors, and promote harmonious coexistence between people and wildlife. Mr. Pawan Kalyan also thanked Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav for his guidance in advancing India’s wildlife conservation work.

In Andhra Pradesh, the commitment is being taken forward through kumki elephants and the Healing and Nurturing Units for Monitoring, Aid and Nursing of Wildlife (HANUMAN). programme, bringing together trained field teams, rescue infrastructure, technology and rapid response to make wildlife protection more effective and humane, he said.

“Our vision is simple: safe communities, protected forests and elephants moving freely through secure habitats,” he said. It should be ensured that elephants continue to walk in the forests and inspire generations to respect, protect and live in harmony with nature, he added.