EnvironmentMonday, 14 September 2026·The Hindu - Environment
Supreme Court panel urged to review Assam-to-Tamil Nadu elephant transfers and legality
A conservationist asked the Supreme Court-appointed High-Powered Committee to stop four elephant transfers from Assam to Tamil Nadu and examine legality and welfare.
Key highlights
Direct fact
On September 11, 2026, conservationist Rohit Choudhury wrote to the Supreme Court-appointed High-Powered Committee seeking a halt to the transfer of four captive elephants from Assam to Tamil Nadu, while a fifth elephant, Durga, had already moved to the Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple.
Key specifics
- The letter was sent on Friday, September 11, 2026, to the High-Powered Committee Chairperson.
- The four elephants named were Hiralal, Shiva, Rupsing and Bijuli.
- Hiralal is 8 years old and Shiva is 6 years old; both are being transferred to Arulmigu Arunachaleshwarar Temple, Tiruvannamalai.
- Rupsing is 13 years old and is headed to Sri Vaidyanatha Swamy Temple, Vaitheeswaran Koil, Nagapattinam.
- Bijuli is a 5-year-old female being transferred to Shri Kanchi Kamakoti Gajashala, Kancheepuram.
Exam lens
TNPSC environment and governance questions may link elephant conservation, the High-Powered Committee, and temple transfers; remember the names Hiralal, Shiva, Rupsing, Bijuli and the September 11, 2026 letter.