SC Orders Nationwide Survey Of Elephant Corridors, Bans Fireballs

The Supreme Court on Monday directed the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) to conduct a nationwide survey to check if any state has constructed obstacles or created blockades in elephant corridors, saying it was unacceptable. 

A bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana made it



clear that states cannot construct obstacles in the pathways of elephants to prevent loss of crops and livelihoods.

It said the use of mashaals, sharp metal rods, fireballs, inflammable objects, etc as a method to scare away elephants is extremely cruel and barbaric and causes immense mental trauma and physical distress to the animal.