After the last elephant population estimation conducted in Uttarakhand during 2015, the census of the pachyderm population in the state is set to begin from June 6. For the first time, about 15 drones will also be used in this three-day exercise.
According to chief conservator of forests, Parag Madhukar Dhakate, elephants will be counted in Corbett tiger reserve, Rajaji tiger reserve and 12 forest divisions of the western circle and Shivalik elephant corridor. The forest department has completed all preparations for this exercise. About 2,500 employees of the department will be deployed for the population estimation of the pachyderms.
Dhakate informed that department personnel have already been given training for this exercise. The elephants are to be counted by the beat watcher using total count system and direct sighting. He further informed that there were 1559 elephants in Uttarakhand during 2012 which increased to 1797 in 2015. After the three day exercise, it will take about two months to compile and finalise the collected data. After that the report will be submitted to the chief wildlife warden who will then release the population estimation figures.