Did the Task Force Get It Right?

The Elephant Task Force's report makes a number of sensible recommendations and the body has by and large done a commendable job in the short time it had. That said, there are some serious omissions, which ought to be remedied before the proposed statutory agency called the National Elephant Conservation Authority with a governing council that includes representatives from various disciplines is set up. In addition, the report sets out a vision for India to become a global leader in elephant conservation. Though a laudable aim, this would require much better preparation and performance by the country's delegations in international forums.