National

NGT Acts On Elephant Deaths In Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve

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.

Read More: Supreme Court, Delhi High Court, States High Court, International

Meera Verma

Recent Posts

“Engineer Rashid Can’t Be Allowed To Use Legislator Status For Reprieve”: NIA To Delhi HC

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Monday opposed jailed Jammu and Kashmir MP Sheikh Abdul…

11 hours ago

Delhi Jal Board Vandalism Case: Court Orders Supply Of Charge Sheets To Raghav Chadha

The Rouse Avenue Court has ordered that a copy of the charge sheet and supplementary…

12 hours ago

“We’ve To Trust Our Institutions”: SC On Plea Seeking Independent Method To Appoint CAG

The Supreme Court on Monday issued a notice to the Union Government on a petition…

13 hours ago

Delhi HC Impedes Restaurants From Using Names Similar To ‘Domino’s Pizza’

The Delhi High Court on Monday ruled in favor of Domino’s Pizza in a trademark…

14 hours ago

2023 Illegal Land Allotment Case: SC Rejects Bail Plea Of Ex-Gujarat IAS Officer

The Supreme Court on Monday denied bail to retired IAS officer Pradeep Nirankarnath Sharma in…

14 hours ago

SC Lifts NGT Ban On Auroville Project, Stresses Balance Between Development & Environment

The Supreme Court on Monday set aside the National Green Tribunal’s order that had barred…

15 hours ago