The two-day event is the first-of-its kind conference in India with officials from the Forest Department participating to discuss the elephant's habitat and life, and ensure complete protection of the species.
Coimbatore: The two-day 'Tamil Nadu Elephant Conference 2023' kick-started in Coimbatore on Friday at a private auditorium in Saravanampatti area of Coimbatore.
Earlier in the day, Tamil Nadu Forest Minister Mathiventhan, Housing Minister Muthusamy, Principal Secretary (Forest) Supriya Sahoo, Coimbatore District Collector Kranthi Kumar Pati and others were present.
Minister Mathiventhan inaugurated the conference and visited all the stalls set up at the venue.
Speaking to reporters thereafter Minister Mathiventhan said,
"For the first time in India, we have conducted a seminar on elephants in Tamil Nadu. Officials from the Forest Department participated in the meeting and we had a good discussion on the elephant's habitat and life. This two-day event is the first-of-its kind conference in India."
"We are taking various steps to protect the forest, and have formed a committee and are conducting a study. The elephant population in Tamil Nadu has increased. We are going to come up with new technologies to protect elephants. The Forest Department has been entrusted with the task of creating awareness among the people to avoid things like Avuttu Kai (country-made explosives). We have to carry out intensive work to protect our forests too. We have carried out a study in coordination with the district administration on forest encroachment, and I would personally visit the Thadagam area to inspect it," added Minister Mathiventhan.