The National Green Tribunal (NGT), Principal Bench, headed by Justice Prakash Shrivastava, will be hearing a suo-motu case concerning the recent deaths of elephants in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh. The hearing is scheduled for November 12, 2024.

The case was taken up by the NGT based on reports about the tragic deaths of several elephants, which raised concerns over wildlife conservation, environmental protection, and the preservation of biodiversity in the region. The NGT’s involvement suggests that the issue is being viewed with serious concern, as it relates to both the well-being of the elephants and the larger ecological balance of the area.

Before this, Madhya Pradesh’s government has formed a nine-member advisory panel to improve the management and rehabilitation of wild elephants in the state. The panel, headed by the Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), includes veterinarians, elephant experts, and field directors from key national parks. It aims to establish structured procedures for rescuing, treating, and rehabilitating elephants before they are released back into the wild.

The elephants, believed to have died from consuming fungus-infected kodo millet, showed traces of cyclopiazonic acid in their bodies, a toxin linked to certain fungi. However, a toxicology report has not confirmed poisoning as the cause. The deaths, which occurred over three days in late October, prompted the Madhya Pradesh government to take swift action, including suspending two senior forest officials for negligence.

The outcome of this hearing could have significant implications for wildlife management and conservation efforts in India, particularly in protected areas like Bandhavgarh.