Elephant corridor restoration programme launched

Colombo, July 4 (Daily Mirror) - The government has launched several immediate measures to reduce human-elephant conflict while a new National Action Plan for Human-Elephant Coexistence is being prepared.

According to the Environment Ministry, the initiatives include restoring blocked elephant corridors to re-establish traditional migratory routes, protecting forests, and creating specialised elephant enrichment zones under the "Wanaspathi" national programme.

The government has also stepped up the enforcement of regulations governing elephant management reserves to strengthen wildlife protection.

In addition, steps have been taken to provide the Wildlife Conservation Department with the necessary human and physical resources to improve conservation efforts and address human-elephant conflict more effectively.

The Ministry said these measures are aimed at protecting both human lives and property while promoting the long-term coexistence of people and wild elephants in Sri Lanka.