The Kerala High Court has issued a significant ruling to halt all ongoing construction activities aimed at promoting eco-tourism on Kuruva Island, Wayanad. This decision comes in the wake of the tragic death of Vellachallil Paul, an employee associated with the eco-tourism initiative, who was fatally attacked by an elephant. The court's intervention underscores the ongoing concerns regarding the safety and environmental impact of such activities in the region.
During the hearing on June 26th, the court was informed about the sanctioning of construction projects on Kuruva Island valued at approximately Rs. 2 crore. This revelation prompted a critical inquiry from the Division Bench comprising Justice A.K. Jayasankaran Nambiar and Justice Gopinath P., who questioned the Advocate General on the appropriateness of such approvals given the recent incidents and safety concerns.
The directive to halt construction is part of the suo moto Public Interest Litigation (PIL) titled 'In Re: Bruno,' which aims to scrutinize the state’s actions concerning animal cruelty and environmental protection. The court's decision reflects a broader concern about the impact of eco-tourism on wildlife and the adequacy of measures taken to ensure the safety of both humans and animals.
In addition to the Kuruva Island incident, the court also addressed another recent tragedy involving the death of a mahout during an elephant safari in Idukki. The court was informed that such safaris, although illegal, continue to operate in the state, with 36 elephants reportedly being used without proper authorization. This incident further highlighted the risks associated with unregulated wildlife tourism activities.
The court has ordered the District Collector of Idukki to provide a detailed report on the legality of these elephant safaris and to clarify whether any compensation has been awarded to the family of the deceased mahout. This directive emphasizes the need for stringent regulatory oversight and accountability in the management of wildlife tourism and related activities.
Moreover, the court was apprised of the critical need for fencing around a waste dumpyard in Munnar to prevent wild elephants from straying into human habitations. The Panchayat cited a lack of funds as the reason for the delay in constructing the fence. In response, the court directed the Additional Advocate General to explore potential funding options from the State Government or the District Disaster Management Authority to expedite the necessary safety measures.
The Kerala High Court's proactive stance in these matters reflects a broader judicial commitment to balancing ecological preservation with human safety and welfare. The court’s orders aim to mitigate the adverse impacts of eco-tourism on wildlife and ensure that adequate safety protocols are in place to protect both animals and humans.
The case, titled 'In Re: Bruno' (WP(C) 13204/2021), is scheduled for further hearing on July 5th, where additional developments and compliance with the court's directives will be reviewed. The outcome of this case is likely to set a significant precedent for the management and regulation of eco-tourism activities in environmentally sensitive areas.
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