HC bans construction in elephant range

[Mrudul Godbole]

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/c...ow/5205147.cms

[Sabyasachi Patra]

I am happy that finally there is some realisation about the need for a migratory corridor for elephants. I am especially happy that the solar and electric fencing has been banned. Solar fencings - rather than being the solution as is proclaimed by a few experts and implemented by some reputed NGOs - actually pushes the "problem" rather than solving the core issue. Villages have come up in the elephant migratory corridor and the NGOs are peddling solar fencing as the solution. In case of electric fencing, there are cases of elephant deaths.

A major part of the elephant migratory corridors fall outside the protected areas. It would be good if all those areas can be mapped and a safe haven for elephants created.

Cheers,
Sabyasachi