Today(on 24th April), Supreme Court issues stay order on construction of four dams in Kalesar Wildlife Sanctuary following petition expressing environmental concerns
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
NEW DELHI: Today(on 24th April), The Supreme Court has issued a stay order on the construction of four planned dams in the Kalesar Wildlife Sanctuary, situated in Haryana’s Yamunanagar district. This action follows a petition filed by advocate Gaurav Bansal, citing concerns about potential adverse effects on the sanctuary’s plant and animal life, as well as its ecosystem.
A bench comprising of Justices B R Gavai and Sandeep Mehta took note of the grave concerns and issued notices to the Centre, the Haryana government, and other relevant parties, seeking their responses on the matter.
The court emphasized that the construction of these dams would not only harm the wildlife and local population in Kalesar but also disrupt the delicate balance of the entire ecosystem.
ALSO READ: Supreme Court Inquires Assam Government on Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary Boundary Demarcation
The bench explicitly stated-
“The court orders notice to be issued and directs that no further steps be taken towards dam construction until a decision is made by this court.”
Gaurav Bansal’s petition highlighted the potential adverse effects of constructing the Chikan, Kansli, Khillanwala, and Ambawali dams within the Kalesar Wildlife Sanctuary. Bansal pointed out that the National Board for Wild Life had granted permission for the construction without considering the report of the Wildlife Institute of India (WII). The WII report clearly states that there is no need for such dams in the sanctuary.
According to Bansal, the WII report, titled “Feasibility Study of Proposed Small Dams in Kalesar Wildlife Sanctuary, Haryana,” unequivocally confirms that the proposed dams fall within the protected area boundary of Kalesar Wildlife Sanctuary.
Consequently, their construction would significantly impact both the terrestrial and aquatic biodiversity of this protected area. Bansal’s submission emphasized the importance of protecting the sanctuary’s unique flora and fauna.
Furthermore, Bansal drew attention to a letter from the principal chief conservator of forests and chief wildlife warden of Haryana. In this letter, it is stated that the proposed dam sites, located within the notified boundary of the sanctuary, would disrupt the existing pattern of habitat use by various species.
ALSO READ: Gujarat High Court Directs to Prevent Lion Deaths on Railway Tracks
The Supreme Court’s decision to stay the construction of the four dams in the Kalesar Wildlife Sanctuary sends a clear message of prioritizing environmental conservation and protecting the delicate balance of ecosystems. By issuing notices to the concerned authorities, the court aims to gather comprehensive information and insights before making a final decision on the matter.
