CG News: Provoking elephants by throwing stones or bursting firecrackers will now attract a penalty of three years in prison and a fine of ₹1 lakh. The Forest Department has formulated a new action plan for elephant conservation based on a representation by Mansoor Khan, a member of the Project Elephant Steering Committee. The plan stipulates that harassing elephants will now lead to the immediate registration of an FIR. Following this order, harassing wild elephants under the guise of driving them away or chasing them off could result in severe consequences.
Potential for up to 7 years imprisonment
The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Warden have issued directives to all regional Chief Conservators of Forests, Divisional Forest Officers (DFOs), and other concerned officials. In its order, the department mandated strict legal action under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, against anyone found throwing stones, bursting firecrackers, scaring elephants with loud noises, or harassing them in any manner. Violations can lead to three years of imprisonment, a fine of up to ₹1 lakh, or both. Furthermore, a repeat offense could result in a prison term of up to seven years.
Directives to DFOs for action
A letter issued by the Forest Department headquarters on June 17, 2026, conveys specific instructions to the Chief Conservators of Forests for the Sarguja, Bilaspur, Raipur, Durg, and Kanker circles, as well as officials from the Udanti-Sitanadi, Achanakmar, and Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserves. The letter references the representation made by Mansoor Khan (member, Project Elephant Steering Committee) and a communication dated June 15, 2026, from the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. It highlights that persistent harassment of elephants—ostensibly to drive them away—can alter their behavior, thereby increasing the risk of human-elephant conflict and resulting in loss of life and property. Timely action should be taken against the offenders in accordance with the rules to prevent elephants from being unnecessarily disturbed. Additionally, instructions have been issued to all forest divisions to ensure necessary monitoring and preventive measures at the local level.
