Guardians of the Wild: Supreme Court's Unwavering Stance on Protecting India's Crucial Wildlife Corridors

In a resounding declaration of commitment to India's precious biodiversity, the Supreme Court has unequivocally asserted that wildlife corridors are sacrosanct and must remain undisturbed. This powerful directive, issued by a bench comprising Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, Justice J B Pardiwala, and Justice Manoj Misra, reinforces the judiciary's steadfast resolve to safeguard the pathways that are vital for the survival and flourishing of the nation's magnificent fauna, particularly its endangered tiger population.

The apex court's pronouncement came while hearing a matter concerning the proposed construction of a road over bridge through a designated 'critical tiger habitat' within the Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve (KMTR) in Tamil Nadu.

The State's proposal for an alternative road had been under scrutiny, and the court firmly rejected it, citing the absence of necessary approvals from the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) and the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA). The bench highlighted the paramount importance of these corridors for facilitating animal movement, ensuring genetic diversity, and mitigating human-animal conflict.

Chief Justice Chandrachud emphasized that the primary responsibility of the state, in areas like the KMTR, is to ensure that these critical habitats and corridors are maintained in an inviolate condition.

He underscored that any activity, even those ostensibly for 'eco-tourism,' must be meticulously reviewed to ensure it does not compromise the integrity of these vital ecological links. The court expressed serious concerns that even a road over bridge could lead to fragmentation and disturbance, disrupting the natural migration patterns of animals and increasing risks to their populations.

This landmark ruling is deeply rooted in prior legal precedents and expert recommendations.

The Supreme Court recalled its earlier directions to states, issued following a comprehensive 2011 report by a special committee. This committee had meticulously identified and mapped 32 critical wildlife corridors across the nation, stressing the urgent need for their protection. The court had previously instructed states to formulate action plans to ensure these corridors were free from human interference, recognizing their indispensable role in maintaining ecological balance.

The Chief Justice reiterated that the concept of 'eco-tourism' must not be misinterpreted or allowed to serve as a pretext for activities that ultimately harm the environment.

He underscored that any such project must be subjected to rigorous scrutiny by expert bodies like the NBWL and NTCA, ensuring that conservation remains the top priority. The court's stance reflects a broader commitment to preventing short-sighted developmental projects from undermining long-term environmental sustainability.

This decisive intervention by the Supreme Court sends a strong message across the country: India's wildlife corridors are non-negotiable assets.

By upholding the sanctity of these pathways, the judiciary is playing a crucial role in securing a future where both humans and wildlife can coexist, ensuring the continued health of ecosystems and the majestic roar of the tiger reverberates through its natural domain, undisturbed and protected.