Order of the National Green Tribunal regarding elephant deaths in Bandhavgarh National Park attributed to Kodo poisoning, 10/01/2025
Order of the National Green Tribunal (Central Zone Bench, Bhopal) in the matter of Ujjwal Sharma Vs Union of India & Others dated 10/01/2025.
An application was registered on the basis of a news item titled "1 Kodo poisoning behind elephant deaths in MPs Bandhavgarh All you need to know" appearing in n CNBCTV18.com. The matter related to death of 10 elephants in Madhya Pradesh, Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve as highlighted in the media news and the matter was taken up by the Principal Bench of the NGT.
A similar matter has been raised with the facts that due to environmental consequences arising from mycotoxin contamination in agricultural produce, exacerbated by climate change, which recently resulted in the tragic death of ten wild elephants in Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh.
These deaths, representing approximately 25% of the local elephant population, were attributed to the consumption of contaminated Kodo millet (Paspalum scrobiculatum) from adjacent agricultural fields, as confirmed by toxicology reports indicating the presence of cyclopiazonic acid, a fungal neurotoxin.These elephants had migrated from Odisha/Jharkhand through Chhattisgarh, representing a larger pattern of elephant dispersal in central India.
Another matter which was taken by the NGT related to the mysterious deaths of 10 elephants in Madhya Pradesh's Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve that have been linked to Kodo millet poisoning.
The NGT directed the monitoring committee to monitor the climate change, its effect on the harvesting and agriculture, land use and proper precautions should be taken to save the wildlife within their jurisdiction.
The central bench of the NGT directed the Principal Chief Conservator of Forest and the Monitoring Committee to take immediate action. The tribunal directed constitution of an expert committee comprising mycologists, wildlife experts, agricultural scientists and forest officials to assess the current situation, develop standard operative procedures and to recommend immediate and long-term preventive measures and monitor their implementation within their territorial jurisdiction. That a comprehensive survey and testing of all susceptible cultivation areas within and adjacent to known elephant corridors and habitats is required to be taken, implementing a regular monitoring and testing program for mycotoxin contamination in these areas, the order said.
In addition, to implement an integrated yearly warning system linking weather monitoring, agriculture practices and wildlife movement pattern, particularly during harvest seasons and in areas adjacent to wildlife habitats, and to develop a comprehensive guideline for climate resilient agricultural practices and self-cultivation methods with proper storage protocols and regular testing mechanisms in wildlife interface zones.
The court also directed implementation of a comprehensive awareness program for farmers, forest officials and local communities regarding proper cultivation practices, mycotoxin risks, preventive measures and wildlife safety protocols. The Principal Chief Conservator of Forest and the monitoring committees should regularly monitor the future cultivation and crops and its effect on the wildlife and especially on the elephants in the sanctuary to protect their life and health.