States can't create blockades in elephant corridors: SC

The Supreme Court of India has ruled that states cannot create blockades in elephant corridors, emphasizing that elephants traverse multiple states and their traditional paths must be free from human interference. The Chief Justice of India, Surya Kant, stated that no state can block the elephants' paths, as obstructing their routes is not a solution to human-animal conflicts.

The court also emphasized that elephant habitats and corridors are systematically being destroyed, and urgent action is needed to preserve these vital routes.

In response to the court's directive, the Union of India must conduct a nationwide survey and submit a comprehensive report on the measures taken to prevent obstructions in elephant corridors. The court specifically addressed allegations of using fireballs, mashaals (fire-torches), and spikes to chase elephants, which have been deemed barbaric and illegal since 2018.

The Additional Solicitor General for the Center, Aishwarya Bhati, agreed to conduct the survey, requesting a three-month timeline, but the court ordered a review after eight weeks to assess progress.

The court reiterated that construction of any kind of obstacle in elephant corridors is unacceptable, and emphasized that states cannot build barriers merely due to concerns about crop destruction. The court also acknowledged that elephants from Nepal travel to various states, including Jharkhand and Uttarakhand, and that the practice of using fireballs and spikes is prevalent in West Bengal.

Chief Justice Kant highlighted that elephants in the Yamuna Nagar area of Haryana travel to Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, further emphasizing the trans-state nature of these majestic animals.