Kolkata: Directing the Centre to conduct a fresh survey of elephant corridors and report on measures to prevent their obstruction, the Supreme Court has once again flagged the use of fireballs, ‘mashaals’ and other coercive methods to divert elephants from their natural movement.In its Aug 17 order, the court said a specific ban on ‘hulla parties’ would also be required and asked the Centre to apprise it of the action taken through a status report.The direction came after the court was informed that jumbo corridors, despite existing mandatory guidelines, were being impeded or blocked because of local factors.The reference to ‘hulla parties’ is significant for Bengal, where elephants are often driven away from human habitations and agricultural areas during conflict situations.In an Aug 2018 order, the SC had said wherever spikes or fireballs are used for driving elephants, remedial steps should be taken by the concerned states to remove spikes and refrain from using fireballs.The court is hearing the matter in Prerna Singh Bindra & Ors v Union of India & Ors and has posted it for further consideration on Oct 14.
