New Delhi, Oct. 7 -- The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has issued a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the transfer and transport of captive elephants, laying down a uniform process for applications, veterinary assessment, physical verification, documentation and approval.

The SOP, circulated to the Principal Chief Conservators of Forests (Wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Wardens of all States and Union Territories, is based on the Captive Elephant (Transfer or Transport) Rules, 2024. The ministry has directed states and UTs to circulate the procedure among all officers dealing with captive elephants and ensure strict compliance with the prescribed rules.

According to the SOP, the procedure applies to intra...