The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken suo motu cognizance of a news item on the mysterious deaths of 10 elephants in Madhya Pradesh’s Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, which have been linked to Kodo millet poisoning.
According to the report, initial investigations indicated that the cause of death might be related to Kodo millet contamination.
Samples have been sent for further analysis to two labs, including the ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute in Uttar Pradesh and a forensic lab in Madhya Pradesh’s Sagar.
Kodo millet is a staple food in many parts of India, known for its high dietary fiber and mineral content.
However, when contaminated with mycotoxins, it can be susceptible to fungal contamination, particularly during the monsoon season, when the crop is harvested in damp conditions.
The NGT has impleaded several respondents, including the Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (Madhya Pradesh), the Chief Wildlife Warden (MP), the District Magistrate (Umaria), the Indian Veterinary Research Institute, the Wildlife Institute of India, and the Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India.
The Principal Bench comprising Justice Prakash Shrivastava as the Chairperson, Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi as Judicial Members and Dr Afroz Ahmad as an Expert Member has directed the respondents to file their responses/replies by way of affidavit before the Central Zonal Bench of the Tribunal at least one week before the next date of hearing.
The matter has been transferred to the Central Zonal Bench, Bhopal, and the original record of the OA has been directed to be transferred to the Central Zonal Bench, Bhopal for further action.
The next date of hearing has been fixed for December 23, 2024.
The post National Green Tribunal takes suo motu note of deaths of 10 elephants in Bandhavgarh tiger reserve appeared first on India Legal.