States can’t block elephant corridors over crop damage: Supreme Court

The Supreme Court has ruled that states cannot obstruct elephant corridors due to concerns over crop damage, emphasizing the importance of wildlife pathways. A three-judge bench, led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, stated that elephant herds travel long distances and obstructing their paths is not permissible. The court was addressing a case where elephants' corridors were blocked in certain states, leading to human-animal conflict.

The bench highlighted that guidelines from the Ministry of Environment, Forest, Climate Change and Wildlife mandate unobstructed elephant corridors, but local factors have impeded these paths. The court directed the Centre to conduct a fresh survey of elephant corridors across the country and report on measures taken to prevent obstructions.

The counsel for the applicant mentioned instances of pachyderms being harassed using fireballs, mashaals, and aggressive groups known as "Hulla parties." The court also questioned the Union Environment Ministry about compliance with its guidelines and which states are non-compliant. The matter will be heard after six weeks.