Mrudul Godbole
10-11-2009, 01:51 PM
CHENNAI: In a last-ditch effort to save whatever that remains of the ecologically fragile elephant corridor in the Nilgiris, the Madras High Court
has banned all forms of new construction, including installation of solar/electrical fencing, in the region.
A division bench comprising Justice SJ Mukhopadhaya and Justice M Duraiswamy passed this order on a public interest writ petition filed by three organisations, including the Chennai-based In Defence of Environment and Animals (IDEA).
Concerned by the obstruction being caused to the animals, the judges referred to the recommendations of an expert committee constituted for the purpose and directed the forest secretary, principal chief conservator and others to furnish a map showing demarcated boundaries of the corridor clearly in two weeks.
Noting that the map must contain the survey numbers of private lands as well, the judges said no construction should be made in the region without prior intimation to the court.
“No person should be allowed to put a fresh solar/electrical fencing within the area considered the elephant corridor by the expert committee,” they said. Orders concerning the existing fence would be passed on November 19, when the matter will be taken up for further hearing.
Link - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/HC-bans-construction-in-elephant-range/articleshow/5205147.cms
has banned all forms of new construction, including installation of solar/electrical fencing, in the region.
A division bench comprising Justice SJ Mukhopadhaya and Justice M Duraiswamy passed this order on a public interest writ petition filed by three organisations, including the Chennai-based In Defence of Environment and Animals (IDEA).
Concerned by the obstruction being caused to the animals, the judges referred to the recommendations of an expert committee constituted for the purpose and directed the forest secretary, principal chief conservator and others to furnish a map showing demarcated boundaries of the corridor clearly in two weeks.
Noting that the map must contain the survey numbers of private lands as well, the judges said no construction should be made in the region without prior intimation to the court.
“No person should be allowed to put a fresh solar/electrical fencing within the area considered the elephant corridor by the expert committee,” they said. Orders concerning the existing fence would be passed on November 19, when the matter will be taken up for further hearing.
Link - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/HC-bans-construction-in-elephant-range/articleshow/5205147.cms