NEW DELHI: Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has requested clarification from Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav regarding a recent circular issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change about the genetic profiling of captive elephants. This circular, dated August 20, pertains to the Captive Elephant (Transfer or Transport) Rules, 2024.

The circular stipulates that no transfer of an elephant is permitted unless its genetic profile is recorded in the Ministry’s electronic monitoring system. Ramesh's letter to Yadav seeks detailed information on how the Ministry is establishing and maintaining these genetic profiles, who is responsible for this data, and how it will be utilized for the protection of both captive and wild elephants.

Ramesh raised concerns about the Ministry’s capability to support this requirement, questioning whether the necessary laboratory infrastructure and sequencing facilities are in place. He has called for greater public clarity on these processes and their impact on elephant conservation and management.