NGT Takes Action on Assam Elephant Tragedy
The National Green Tribunal has stepped in following a tragic incident in Assam. Seven elephants lost their lives in a collision with a train last month. The tribunal has now issued formal notices to multiple authorities demanding answers.
Notices Issued to State and Central Authorities
The NGT has directed the Assam government to respond to this environmental tragedy. Notices have also gone to the principal chief conservator of forests and the Central Pollution Control Board. All three entities must file detailed affidavits by January 28.
This action comes through a suo moto petition. The tribunal initiated proceedings based on media reports about the elephant deaths. The principal bench of the NGT first took up this case recently.
Case Transferred to Eastern Zone Bench
Although the principal bench initially handled the matter, jurisdiction has shifted. The case now moves to the Eastern Zone Bench in Kolkata. This transfer occurred because the incident location falls under the eastern bench's jurisdiction.
The Eastern Zone Bench will hear the matter on January 28. This date marks the deadline for affidavit submissions as well.
Details of the Tragic Incident
The collision occurred in the early hours of December 20 last year. At 2:17 AM, the Sairang-New Delhi Rajdhani Express struck a herd of elephants. The accident happened on the Jamunamukh-Kampur railway section.
This section falls under the Lumding division of Northeast Frontier Railway. The impact proved fatal for seven elephants. The train itself suffered significant damage during the collision.
The engine and five coaches derailed following the impact. The incident highlights ongoing conflicts between wildlife and railway infrastructure in the region.
NGT's Environmental Concerns
In its official order, the tribunal expressed serious concerns. The NGT observed that the facts raise substantial environmental questions. The circumstances emerging from the news report prompted this judicial intervention.
The tribunal emphasized the prima facie evidence suggests environmental implications. These concerns now require thorough examination through proper legal channels.
The January 28 hearing in Kolkata will determine the next steps. Authorities must present their positions through the required affidavits before that date.
This case represents another instance where India's green court intervenes in wildlife protection matters. The NGT continues to address environmental issues through suo moto actions based on media reports.
