Environment protection laws in India were some of the best among developing nations across the world, leading to the protection of key species such as the Asian elephant, said K.K. Kaushal, Field Director of Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, here on Monday. Mr. Kaushal was speaking at an event to mark World Elephant Day at the Government Arts College in Udhagamandalam. The original event had to be postponed due to heavy rains in the district.

Mr. Kaushal said the first major law that helped conservation in India was the Forest Conservation Act of 1980. “Till then, forests were being diverted for agriculture and industry, but the law allowed for conservation to thrive, and allowed populations of the tiger, the elephant and the one-horned rhinoceros, to recover over the last few decades,” he added.

He also said that more recently, the judiciary had also helped the Forest Department in conservation work, by passing orders preventing diversion of forest lands for commercial purposes.

Mr. Kaushal also said that Tamil Nadu was one of the best states in ensuring the protection of reserve forests. “In the last 30 years, no permissions have been given for mining in forest areas,” he said.

B. Ramakrishnan, Assistant Professor, Department of Zoology and Wildlife Biology, Government Arts College in Udhagamandalam, J. Ebenasar, Head of Department and M. Easwaramoorthy, Principal, were present.