New Delhi: The National Green Tribunal on Tuesday asked the Assam government to put barriers, speed cameras and challan rash vehicles to regulate traffic on a stretch of National Highway 37 passing through the famed Kaziranga National Park to prevent killing of wild animals.
A bench headed by NGT chairperson Swatanter Kumar said, “We are sure nothing has been done. There is no regulatory mechanism. “We want barriers points to be fixed, speed cameras to be installed by next date of hearing and challans (of vehicles) be done and show how are you (Assam) trying to protect animals from entering the most vulnerable area of the 20.5 km road passing through the national park.”
The bench passed the order after the state government placed before it a proposal to regulate traffic on the stretch while also contending that “The State government is completely insignificant. The Ministry of Environment and Forests can take charge of the issue and consult the Wildlife Board.” “Fixing barriers, cameras and challaning vehicles doesn’t need a 30-page report,” the bench remarked. It also said “the suggestions made (by the state) can hardly be considered in the absence of MoEF which is a necessary party.”
The bench warned the MoEF of adverse orders in case of further non-appearance leading to adjournment of cases. The tribunal was hearing a plea filed by RTI activist Rohit Choudhury opposing expansion of the NH 37 stretch running through the national park. During the hearing, the bench asked the state government to show what steps has it taken to address the issue. When the state said it has put signages on the stretch, the bench remarked, “You want animals to read signages.”
“Show us a single document that you have challaned even one vehicle. We know roads can’t be shut but we don’t have right to kill animals. From photographs before us, it is obvious that vehicles are moving at a very high speed. It is a very valuable wildlife. Why should we shut our eyes to it?”
“We find that there is no regulatory mechanism. First of all this road should not have been there. It was the duty of the state to build a road which does not touch the ground. You could have made a flyover,” Justice Kumar said. “Why don’t you fix barriers at least? Why don’t you regulate traffic. Why can’t there be speed barriers? You see, you are doing nothing but killing animals,” he said. On Assam government’s contention that NGT does not have the jurisdiction to hear the matter as the same comes under the Wildlife Protection Act, the bench said it will consider the aspect. It, however, added that NH-37 passing through Jakhalabandha to Bokakhat going through Kaziranga National Park is not only violation of Wildlife Act but also of the conditions imposed by MoEF while granting permission for this Project and the Environment Protection Act. (PTI)