Taking note of serious threat posed to Similipal-Hadagarh-Kuldiha-Similipal Elephant Corridor in Baleswar district due to massive mining operation in the region, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the State Government to take necessary steps for conservation of the eco sensitive zone (ESZ).
The NGT has issued the notice on the complaints of two social organisations, ‘ROSE’ and ‘ASSA’. Informing that stone mining in some villages under Khaira tehsil in Baleswar district has disturbed the ESZ, the two organisations urged the NGT to direct the Government to take necessary steps for protection of elephants.
As per law, mining activities are strictly prohibited in elephant corridor and animal habitats.
Because of large scale mining activities, ecology of the locality as well as elephant corridor and sanctuary are under threat. As per directive of the Green Tribunal, PCCF (HOFF) has submitted a fact finding report with certain recommendations.
He has specifically stated that there is an evident threat to the habitat and the elephant corridor due to quarrying because of its onsite and offsite environmental effects. The PCCF has specifically mentioned that 97 quarries are in operation without any environment management plan.
He has recommended for massive plantation, conservation of sanctuary and elephant corridor area. He has specifically submitted to stop mining activities in larger interest of environment. He suggested for constitution of a monitoring committee for the purpose.
While allowing state respondents to file a detail report in one month, a division bench of the NGT comprising Justice SP Wangdi and Dr SS Garbyal observed that the entire corridor should be brought within the ambit of the ESZ and the State Government should take immediate steps after due consultation with the experts for its protection.
As an interim measure, the Tribunal directed that there should be no operation of any quarries in the ESZ. Tribunal also asked the Government to take steps for closer of the quarries as per law.
Besides, the NGT also direct the Government to implement suggestions of the PCCF.