Concerned over the protection of critically endangered Ghariyal and its habitat in Madhya Pradesh, Central Bench of National Green Tribunal has summoned the state chief wildlife warden and chief conservator of forests (CCF), Son Ghariyal Sanctuary, to explain what adverse impacts have been noticed in the sanctuary because of factors like “extensive illegal sand mining” in the area.
They have been instructed to remain present in the next hearing on January 14.
The two-member bench gave these directions while hearing a case filed by Nityanand Mishra. The bench comprised justice Dalip Singh, judicial member and PS Rao, expert member. The order was given on Monday, but it was made available on Tuesday.
Son Ghariyal Sanctuary, located in Sidhi district, was established to provide safe refuge to Ghariyals. Extending over an area of about 42 square km, this sanctuary lies on the banks Son River.
NGT in its order stressed that state government should meanwhile continue to take stringent measures to ensure that no illegal sand mining was allowed in the area. “The state government should also place on record the impact of such measures taken in the past six months after filing of this petition and issuance of notice”, the Bench said.
The Tribunal also ordered that a senior officer from the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests/National Wildlife Board dealing with Son Ghariyal Sanctuary should remain present before the Tribunal in the next hearing.
According to wildlife experts, less than 400 Ghariyals survive in the world today. Ghariyals, which once almost became extinct because of hunting for their skins, are today threatened by destruction or intense human pressure on their habitat.
