| ASPECTS | DETAILS |
| Case Title | Supreme Court Stays Construction of 4 Dams in Haryana’s Kalesar Wildlife Sanctuary |
| Introduction | The Supreme Court has stayed the construction of four dams in the Kalesar Wildlife Sanctuary in Haryana. |
| Factual Background | Wildlife Institute of India (WII) report indicated that the dams’ construction would adversely impact wildlife and the ecosystem. The intended purposes of the dams are unlikely to be achieved. Eight earthen dams built by the Forest Department are regularly used by mammalian species. |
| Legal Issues | Whether the construction of dams in the sanctuary would adversely impact wildlife and the ecosystem. |
| Applicable Law | Environmental laws, Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. |
| Analysis | The WII report and opinions of the PCCF and Chief Wildlife Warden suggest that the dams’ construction would harm wildlife and the ecosystem. |
| Conclusion | The Supreme Court issued a stay on the construction of the dams until further notice. |
| Current Scenario | The State of Haryana has been issued a notice, returnable on 24.07.2024, regarding the construction of the dams. No steps shall be taken for the dams’ construction until further orders. |
CASE SUMMARY – The Supreme Court stayed the construction of four dams in Haryana’s Kalesar Wildlife Sanctuary, following a report from the Wildlife Institute of India that the dams would harm wildlife and the ecosystem. The case is being considered under the T N Godavarman Thirumalpad case, where the Supreme Court monitors forest and wildlife issues. The Court issued a notice to the State of Haryana, directing that no steps be taken for the dams’ construction until further orders.
SOURCE – THE TRIBUNE
