Why in the News?

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) took suo motu cognizance of news reports regarding the mysterious deaths of elephants in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• About Bandhavgarh National Park (Geography, Flora, Fauna, etc.)
• About NGT (Objectives, Mandate, etc.)
• News Summary

About Bandhavgarh National Park:

• Bandhavgarh National Park, located in the Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh, is one of the country’s most renowned wildlife reserves.
• Known for its high density of Bengal tigers and rich biodiversity, the park is a major attraction for wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists.
• Geography and Terrain:
  • Location: Situated in the Vindhya Hills of Madhya Pradesh.
  • Area: Covers an area of approximately 1,536 square kilometres, including its buffer zones.
  • Landscape: Features a mix of rugged hills, dense forests, grasslands, and meadows, with the Bandhavgarh Fort perched atop a prominent hill.
  • Water Bodies: The park has several perennial streams and waterholes, ensuring a consistent water supply for its wildlife.
• Flora and Fauna:
  • Flora:
    • Predominantly covered with Sal forests, along with grasslands and bamboo stretches.
    • The park also boasts medicinal plants and diverse tree species such as Dhobin, Tendu, and Saja.
  • Fauna:
    • Tigers: Bandhavgarh is famous for its tiger population, with one of the highest densities in the world.
    • Other Mammals: Includes leopards, sloth bears, wild boars, jackals, and various species of deer like sambar and chital.
    • Birds: Home to over 250 bird species, including Indian rollers, crested serpent eagles, and paradise flycatchers.
    • Reptiles: Houses various snakes, lizards, and other reptiles.

About National Green Tribunal:

• It was established in 2010 under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010.
• Objectives:
• Effective and expeditious disposal of cases that are related to the protection and conservation of the environment, forests, and other natural resources.
• To give relief and compensations for any damages caused to persons and properties.
• To handle various environmental disputes involving multi-disciplinary issues.
• After Australia and New Zealand, India became the third country in the world to establish a specialized environmental tribunal.
• The Tribunal is not bound by the procedure laid down under the Code of Civil Procedure 1908, but shall be guided by ‘principles of natural justice'.
• An order/decision/award of the Tribunal is executable as a decree of a civil court.

Mandate of NGT:

• The NGT has the power to hear all civil cases relating to environmental issues and questions that are linked to the implementation of laws listed in Schedule I of the NGT Act. These include the following:
• Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974
• Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Cess Act, 1977
• Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980
• Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981
• Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
• Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991
• Biological Diversity Act, 2002
• This means that any violations pertaining only to these laws, or any order/decision taken by the Government under these laws can be challenged before the NGT.
• Importantly, the NGT has not been vested with powers to hear any matter relating to the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, the Indian Forest Act, 1927 and various laws enacted by States relating to forests, tree preservation etc.
• NGT is mandated to make disposal of applications or appeals finally within 6 months of filing of the same.
• An appeal against order/decision/award of the NGT lies to the Supreme Court, generally within ninety days from the date of communication.

NGT's Power to Initiate Suo Moto Action:

• There is no specific provision in the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 permitting the NGT to take up cases on its own.
• However, it can act on letters or communication addressed to it raising environmental concerns.

News Summary:

• The National Green Tribunal has taken suo motu notice of the mysterious deaths of 10 elephants in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, allegedly caused by the consumption of contaminated Kodo millet.
• Key Findings and Concerns:
  • Cause of Death: Preliminary investigations suggest the elephants consumed Kodo millet contaminated with mycotoxins, likely due to fungal infestation during damp conditions. This contamination can lead to severe health risks, including liver and kidney damage, in both wildlife and livestock.
  • Legal Implications: The incident may violate the Forest Conservation Act, 1980, and the Environment Protection Act, 1986, raising questions about environmental compliance.
  • Broader Risks: The NGT expressed concerns about the implications of such contamination, noting its potential impact on other wildlife and livestock that come into contact with the tainted crop.
• Action Taken by the NGT:
  • The NGT has transferred the case to its Central Zonal Bench in Bhopal.
  • The NGT highlighted the seriousness of this matter, referencing a Supreme Court ruling that strengthens its authority to intervene in environmental matters.
• Significance:
  • This case underscores the critical need for stringent monitoring of wildlife habitats and food sources to prevent contamination-related fatalities.
  • It also highlights the broader implications of environmental non-compliance and its impact on biodiversity.