The Supreme Court of India has directed the Union Government to undertake a fresh nationwide survey of elephant corridors, ruling that states cannot obstruct wildlife migratory routes to prevent crop damage.
A three-judge bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana, issued the order during a hearing on an application detailing widespread blockades along traditional elephant paths. The court emphasized that elephant herds naturally cover vast distances and stated that agricultural losses do not justify blocking their passage.
Corridor Obstructions And Guidelines
Addressing the Centre, the bench noted that the Ministry of Environment, Forest, Climate Change and Wildlife has established mandatory guidelines to preserve seamless elephant corridors across state boundaries. However, the court observed that local factors have led to these pathways being choked, blocked, or impeded.
Chief Justice Kant inquired about state compliance and asked whether the central government had conducted studies to identify non-compliant states. Representing the Centre, Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati stated that an inspection was conducted in 2023 followed by a status report, adding that the government is prepared to execute a fresh survey. The court subsequently instructed the Centre to submit a comprehensive report detailing steps taken to remove obstacles.
Regional Conflict And Artificial Barriers
The hearing also highlighted instances of physical barriers and aggressive measures used against pachyderms. The applicant’s legal counsel informed the bench about escalating human-animal conflict in West Bengal, where organized groups called “Hulla parties” use fireballs and torches to frighten animals.
Justice Bagchi pointed to specific inter-state migratory routes originating in Nepal and the northern hills of West Bengal that lead into Odisha and Chhattisgarh. He remarked that Odisha and Chhattisgarh have erected walls along these pathways to block entering herds.
Court Demands Report On Coercive Actions
The apex court ordered a dedicated status report on the use of firearms and other coercive measures against elephants. The bench scheduled the next hearing in six weeks to review the Centre’s findings and proposed interventions.
