In a significant development, the National Green Tribunal on Friday has stepped in to investigate the mysterious deaths of 10 elephants at MP’s Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve.
The deaths, believed to be linked to poisoning from contaminated Kodo millet, have sparked serious concerns about wildlife safety and environmental protection in the region.
The NGT, in an order issued on November 12, 2024, decided to take suo-motu cognizance of the case following a media report titled “Kodo poisoning behind elephant deaths in MP’s Bandhavgarh: All you need to know.”
The tribunal emphasized that the contamination of Kodo millet poses a grave threat not only to elephants but also to livestock and potentially humans who consume or come into contact with the affected grain.
The tribunal has expressed the need for stronger enforcement of environmental norms, potentially representing violations of key laws, including the Forest Conservation Act, 1980, and the Environment Protection Act, 1986. To address the urgency of the situation, the NGT has issued notices to several authorities, demanding immediate action.
Among those notified are the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Madhya Pradesh), the Chief Wildlife Warden (Madhya Pradesh), the District Magistrate (Umaria), and several national institutions, including the Indian Veterinary Research Institute in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, and the Wildlife Institute of India in Dehradun, Uttarakhand.
Additionally, the Ministry of Agriculture in the Government of India has been alerted to the potential risks posed by contaminated Kodo millet.
To expedite the proceedings, the NGT has transferred the case to its Central Zone Bench and scheduled the next hearing for December 23, 2024. The outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for both wildlife conservation and agricultural practices in the region.
The Tribunal highlighted that the matter points to a potential violation of the Forest Conservation Act, 1980, and the Environment Protection Act, 1986. The news report raises substantial issues relating to the compliance of environmental norms and the implementation of the provisions of scheduled enactments.
NGT’s intervention underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive investigation into the sources of contamination and measures to prevent similar incidents in the future, aiming to safeguard both wildlife and human health.
