Supreme Court orders fresh survey of elephant corridors across India
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The Supreme Court on Monday directed the Centre to conduct a fresh survey of elephant corridors across the country, stressing that states cannot obstruct the natural movement of elephants because of crop damage.
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant said elephant herds travel long distances and require uninterrupted routes between habitats.
“We are very clear that there cannot be obstacles in the way of wildlife. Elephant herds have a practice of travelling long distances. No State can say that just because crops are getting destroyed, there have to be obstacles in their path,” he said.
The court was informed that the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has issued mandatory guidelines for ensuring seamless movement through designated elephant corridors. However, several corridors have been impeded or blocked because of local factors.
The court directed the ministry to conduct a fresh survey and submit a comprehensive status report detailing measures taken to prevent obstructions. The report must also address the use of firearms and other coercive measures against elephants.
During the hearing, counsel raised concerns over groups of people chasing elephants away from settlements and agricultural areas, saying such actions could worsen conflicts.
Counsel also called for measures to prevent firearms from being used against elephants and sought a ban on “hulla parties”, groups that chase or drive away elephants.
“Such measures therefore be taken, and this Court be apprised through the status report,” the CJI said.
Elephant corridors connect fragmented habitats and allow elephants to move between forests, helping preserve ecological connectivity and reduce human-elephant conflict.
Under Project Elephant, corridors have been identified and validated across 14 elephant-range states. According to Elephant Corridors of India, 2023, the country has 150 corridors across four regions. The East-Central region has 52, the Northeast 48, the Southern region 32, and the Northern region 18.
West Bengal has the highest number with 26 corridors. The network also includes 19 inter-state and six transboundary corridors connecting India and Nepal.
