The Eluru Forest Division organised awareness programmes, rallies and seminars across its forest ranges on Wednesday (August 12) to mark World Elephant Day. Sandeep Reddy said elephants played a crucial role in maintaining the health of forest ecosystems by dispersing seeds and contributing to biodiversity and ecological balance. Mr. Sandeep Reddy stressed the need to protect traditional elephant corridors and natural habitats, describing their conservation as a collective social responsibility. Awareness rallies were conducted in all the ranges of the division, with Forest Range Officers, Deputy Range Officers, Section Officers, Beat Officers, Base Camp personnel, teachers, students and villagers participating in the programmes. Certificates were presented to the winners, while forest personnel who had demonstrated exemplary performance in forest protection were also felicitated.