Because crops are being damaged, the Supreme Court on Monday underlined the importance of protecting elephant corridors, saying states cannot put obstacles in the path of elephants merely.
The court stressed that the natural movement of wildlife must be safeguarded and directed the Centre to carry out a fresh survey of elephant corridors across the country.
Hearing the matter, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant observed that elephant herds are known to travel long distances and require uninterrupted routes between habitats. Elephant herds have a practice of travelling long distances. The court was informed that the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has already issued mandatory guidelines aimed at ensuring the smooth movement of elephants through designated corridors. Taking note of these concerns, the Supreme Court directed the Union Environment Ministry to conduct a fresh survey of elephant corridors in different states and file a detailed status report. However, owing to certain local factors, the elephant corridors have been impeded, blocked or obstructed. The directions came amid concerns over the methods used to drive elephants away from human settlements and agricultural areas. During the hearing, counsel pointed to instances where elephants are chased by groups of people, saying such actions often worsen the situation rather than resolve it.
Emphasising that conservation concerns cannot be ignored due to local issues, he said, “We are very clear that there cannot be obstacles in the way of wildlife. Because crops are getting destroyed, there have to be obstacles in their path, no State can say that just. Because of local factors, however, it was brought to the court’s notice that several corridors have been impeded or blocked.
In its order, the court said, “We have been informed that there are mandatory guidelines issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to ensure seamless and unobstructed elephant corridors passing through different States.
