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States can't create blockades in elephant corridors: SC
The court ordered a nationwide survey of blocked elephant corridors and barred fireballs, citing mandatory guidelines and a six-week report deadline.
On Monday, The Supreme Court directed the MoEFCC to conduct a nationwide survey of elephant corridor blockades, declaring such obstructions unacceptable. The Bench barred all use of fireballs and mashaals to chase away elephants.
The court's directive addresses long-standing conflict over Hulla parties using iron rods and burning mashaals to drive elephants. Petitioners argue these 'cruel and barbaric techniques' violate court orders from August 1, 2018 and December 4, 2018.
Shibani Ghosh, representing Prerna Singh Bindra, highlighted the August 15, 2024 incident in Jhargram when forest officials allegedly deployed 'Hulla' parties armed with burning mashaals. The plea claims this reliance amounts to contempt of court.
Chief Justice Surya Kant and The Bench ordered the Centre to submit a comprehensive report within six weeks. The court ruled States cannot construct obstacles simply because crops are being destroyed.
Justice Bagchi noted elephant herds travel long distances from Yamuna Nagar in Haryana through Uttarakhand to Himachal Pradesh. The court insisted these corridors must remain seamless and unobstructed to protect wildlife movement.