National Green Tribunal issues notices in Bandhavgarh elephant death case, seeks immediate response

BHOPAL: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) took suo motu cognizance of news reports regarding the mysterious deaths of elephants in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh.
Notices were issued to several authorities, including the Principal chief conservator of forests (Madhya Pradesh), chief wildlife warden (MP), district magistrate (Umaria), the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) through its Director, the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) through its Director, and the ministry of agriculture, govt of India through its Secretary.
The respondents were directed to submit their responses within a week, before the next date of hearing.
The case, initially taken up by the NGT’s Principal Bench, was transferred to the Central Bench.
The NGT’s order references reports linking the deaths of 10 elephants in Bandhavgarh to potential poisoning from contaminated Kodo millet.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the deaths may be connected to mycotoxin contamination in the millet. Samples from the affected area were sent for further analysis to two labs: the Indian Veterinary Research Institute in Uttar Pradesh and a forensic lab in Sagar, Madhya Pradesh.
The NGT order further highlights that Kodo millet, a staple food in many parts of India, is known for its high fibre and mineral content.
However, when contaminated with mycotoxins—particularly in damp, monsoon-season conditions—it can become susceptible to fungal infestation.
This contamination can pose severe health risks to both humans and animals, including liver and kidney damage, as well as gastrointestinal issues.
It is alleged that the elephants in Bandhavgarh may have consumed contaminated Kodo millet or its byproducts, resulting in poisoning.
The mycotoxins produced by the fungal contamination are believed to have led to the elephants' deaths. The NGT expressed concern about the broader implications of such contamination, noting that it could pose risks to both wildlife and livestock that might come into contact with the tainted crop.
The NGT also noted that this incident could potentially violate the Forest Conservation Act, 1980, and the Environment Protection Act, 1986, raising significant environmental compliance issues.
The Tribunal emphasised its authority to take up the matter suo motu, referencing the Hon'ble Supreme Court’s ruling in the case of Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai vs. Ankita Sinha & Ors. (2021 SCC Online SC 897).
As part of its order, the NGT instructed the state and central authorities to file their responses in the form of affidavits before the Central Zonal Bench of the Tribunal at least one week before the next hearing.
The Tribunal also clarified that if any respondent submits a reply without going through their legal advocate, they will need to be virtually present to assist the Tribunal.
The case, being under the jurisdiction of the Central Zonal Bench in Bhopal, was transferred to this bench, and the original case records were directed to be forwarded accordingly.