The Supreme Court directed the Centre on Monday to conduct a nationwide survey and take steps to ensure the free passage of wild elephant herds through their ancient corridors across States without human will or habitations blocking or impeding their natural routes.
The court’s directive came as it emphasized that no State can block the traditional pathways of elephants. Chief Justice of India Surya Kant stated, ‘No State can block their paths. Blockading elephant corridors is not the solution to human-animal conflicts. Elephants travel across many States. One State cannot come in their way and block their traditional pathways.’
Justice Joymalya Bagchi, who was part of the three-judge Bench along with Justice V. Mohana, noted that elephant pathways are not State-specific, and herds travel far by nature. The court ordered the Union of India to conduct a fresh survey and file a comprehensive report, which would include the necessary steps taken to prevent obstructions in elephant corridors.
The court also directed the government to examine allegations that fireballs, mashaals (fire-torches), and spikes are thrown at wild elephants. In 2018, the apex court had prohibited the use of such measures, calling them barbaric and illegal. The court asked the government to ensure the implementation of the ban on these measures by ‘hula’ parties to drive away wild elephants from crops and villages.
Appearing for the Centre, Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati agreed to conduct a nationwide survey and submit the status report. The court said it would list the case after eight weeks to check on progress, emphasizing that construction of any kind of obstacle or creating blockades in elephant corridors is not acceptable.
The court’s decision aims to protect the rights of elephants, which are Schedule I animals under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and are considered a vulnerable species receiving absolute legal protection.
