The increase in the infrastructure and expanse of the railway network through elephant corridors have severely impacted the existence of elephants, a senior United Nations official said today. Erik Solheim, the executive director of UN Environment, underlined that human and animal conflict had become a serious issue and needed to be addressed.

The increase in the infrastructure and expanse of railway network through elephant corridors have severely impacted the existence of elephants and the plastic waste dumped into the forests is finding its way into their stomach, causing serious harm, Solheim said in a video message, while addressing a gathering at the Gaj Mahotsav -- a festival organised to spread awareness on the need to preserve elephants -- here.