New Delhi: 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-state transfers, inter-state transfers and transport of captive elephants, including temporary transport. It seeks to ensure that such movement takes place only after prescribed verification, veterinary assessment, approval and documentation, while taking into account the welfare and safety of the elephant.
The SOP assumes particular significance in the wake of the recent transfer of five young elephants from Assam to Tamil Nadu, which has triggered questions over the circumstances and legality of the movement of captive elephants.
The Centre’s new procedural framework places greater emphasis on ownership documentation, veterinary assessment, physical verification of both existing and proposed facilities, and, crucially, verification of the elephant’s DNA or genetic profile before a transfer is approved.
DNA profile mandatory before transfer
One of the key requirements is verification of the elephant’s identity and genetic profile before a transfer is permitted.
The SOP requires authorities to verify that the elephant’s DNA or genetic profile has been entered into the MoEF&CC’s electronic monitoring application. The identity must also be cross-checked against the ownership certificate, microchip or other identification details and the genetic profile.
If the genetic profile has not yet been entered into the prescribed electronic system, the process must be completed before permission for transfer is granted. The SOP makes clear that no transfer can take place without the prescribed permission.
Multi-level verification for elephant transfers
Under the procedure, the owner or applicant must submit an application in Form I to the concerned Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF), or an officer not below the rank of DCF.
The DCF is required to obtain a veterinary certificate in Form II, conduct an inquiry and physically verify both the elephant’s present housing facility and the proposed facility. A report in Form III must then be prepared and forwarded to the Chief Wildlife Warden (CWLW).
For an inter-state transfer, the process involves additional verification by the recipient state. The donor state’s CWLW forwards the application and reports to the recipient state’s CWLW, which arranges verification of the proposed facility through its concerned DCF. The recipient state then submits its recommendations in Form IV, while the final decision rests with the donor state’s CWLW.
The SOP also requires authorities to examine the ownership documents, the elephant’s health and fitness, the suitability of the proposed housing facility, and the circumstances and purpose of the proposed transfer. The transfer must meet the applicable ownership and better-upkeep requirements under the 2024 Rules.
Transport requires separate permit
The SOP lays down a separate procedure for transporting captive elephants. An owner or applicant must submit an application in Form V to the concerned DCF or an officer not below that rank.
Following a veterinary examination and field verification, the DCF submits recommendations to the CWLW. The CWLW can then issue a Transport Permit in Form VI or reject the application through a written order. Copies of the permit are to be communicated to the relevant forest authorities, including the CWLWs of states involved in inter-state transport.
Mahout and assistant must accompany elephant
The SOP also specifies conditions to be followed during transportation. Each elephant must be accompanied by one mahout and one elephant assistant. A veterinary health certificate must establish that the elephant is fit for transport and is not showing signs of musth or any infectious or contagious disease.
If the elephant has a contagious disease, transportation can take place only after completion of the mandatory quarantine period advised by the veterinary practitioner.
The elephant must be properly fed and provided water before loading, with food and water also supplied during the journey. The use of tranquilisers or sedatives is permitted only on the prescription of a veterinary practitioner.
Transfer permission valid for three months
The SOP sets a maximum validity of three months from the date of grant for a transfer permission. A transport permit, meanwhile, is valid for one month. The document specifically states that extensions are not permitted.
The SOP requires authorities to maintain records including ownership certificates, veterinary reports, DCF inspection reports, recipient-state recommendations where applicable, CWLW orders, transport permits and records of movement and compliance with the conditions imposed.
It also specifies six prescribed forms covering applications, veterinary certification, field reports, recipient-state recommendations and transport permits.
The ministry has warned that any movement of a captive elephant without the prescribed permission or permit, or in violation of the conditions imposed, will be dealt with under the applicable law.
The SOP was digitally signed by Aju Mathew George, Scientist ‘C’ (Project Elephant), on October 5, 2026. The ministry has clarified that the SOP is an operational summary of the 2024 Rules and that the statutory rules will prevail in case of any inconsistency.