The Supreme Court has mandated that the Union government conduct a comprehensive, nationwide survey of elephant corridors to ensure that the movement of wildlife is unhindered. On August 17, a bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justices Joymalya Bagchi, and V Mohana issued this directive, highlighting the need for a thorough evaluation of existing routes used by elephants.

Concerns Over Obstacles in Elephant Movement

The court expressed its firm stance that crop damage cannot be used as a rationale for erecting barriers along established elephant pathways. Chief Justice Kant remarked that the natural migratory habits of elephant herds entail travelling long distances, and no state should impede this movement due to agricultural concerns. The bench underscored that there should be no obstructions in the way of wildlife.

Despite existing guidelines aimed at safeguarding elephant corridors, the bench acknowledged that various circumstances on the ground have led to numerous routes being blocked. Consequently, it instructed the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to provide a detailed report on the status of these corridors.

This report is expected to outline both current measures taken to identify and eliminate existing obstructions and future proposals to prevent such barriers from arising. Additionally, the court’s directive included a focus on the use of coercive methods against elephants, such as firearms. The government is required to address these issues specifically in its forthcoming report.

Petition Regarding Use of Coercive Measures

The Supreme Court’s ruling came during the hearing of a petition that raised concerns about the obstruction of elephant corridors in various states. The petitioner argued that interventions are required to halt the use of firearms, fireballs, and other coercive means that disrupt the natural migratory patterns of elephants, particularly those encroaching near human settlements or agricultural land.

In light of these concerns, the bench directed authorities to consider the matter carefully. The court has set a deadline of six weeks for the government to present the steps taken in response to these issues. This requirement marks an important step in acknowledging the challenges faced by wildlife amid human activity.

Furthermore, the court’s instructions came in response to ongoing issues regarding the enforcement of its earlier orders. These previous directives called for state authorities to refrain from using fireballs as a means to drive elephants away from inhabited areas or fields. The Supreme Court’s renewed focus on this matter highlights the importance of preserving wildlife corridors while balancing the needs of human populations.

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