Elephant habitats, corridors being systematically destroyed, will to preserve absent: Ramesh
Former Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh criticized the systematic destruction of elephant habitats by mining and infrastructure projects, following a Supreme Court directive to protect elephant corridors. The Court has explicitly banned the use of fireballs and the construction of obstacles in these migratory paths.
Why it matters
This legal intervention highlights the ongoing conflict between industrial development and wildlife conservation in India, emphasizing the need for state-level compliance.
Congress leader and former Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh on Tuesday (August 18, 2026) said elephant habitats and corridors are being systematically destroyed by mining and other projects, asserting that the will to protect and preserve is markedly absent.
His remarks came a day after the Supreme Court directed the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) to conduct a nationwide survey to check if any State has constructed obstacles or created blockades in elephant corridors, saying it was unacceptable.
Reacting to the development, Mr. Ramesh said, "While elephant habitats and corridors are being systematically destroyed by mining & other projects. Surveys exist." The will to protect and preserve is markedly absent, the Congress general secretary in-charge communications said.
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