India's Apex Court Demands Nationwide Elephant Corridor Survey, Bans Brutal 'Fireball' Tactics

In a major move to protect India's wild elephants, the Supreme Court on Monday ordered a fresh nationwide survey of all elephant corridors, explicitly stating that states cannot block these vital pathways, even if it's for crop protection. The top court also slammed the 'unacceptable' and 'barbaric' use of fireballs, mashaals, and other harsh methods to scare elephants away, directing the government to report on measures to stop such practices within six weeks. This crucial directive comes amid rising human-elephant conflict, with numerous incidents reported recently where both human lives and crops have been lost. Existing guidelines from the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) are often overlooked, leading to fragmented elephant habitats and dangerous encounters as elephants seek their traditional routes. The court emphasized that elephant herds travel long distances across state borders, and their natural movement cannot be restricted, highlighting concerns raised in West Bengal and Haryana where such blockades and cruel tactics like 'Hulla parties' are prevalent. Now, the MoEFCC has just six weeks to conduct this comprehensive survey and present a detailed status report to the Supreme Court. This report must outline steps taken to clear existing obstructions, propose future preventive measures, and specifically address the ban on brutal coercive methods. The ruling sets the stage for a critical reassessment of wildlife protection laws and could significantly impact development projects near these sensitive ecological zones, pushing for greater coexistence.