Key Highlights
- The NGT has ordered a fresh review of a 6‑hectare quarry plan situated roughly 2 kilometres from the Vallanadu Blackbuck Sanctuary.
- Rather than an outright ban, the tribunal instructed the State Environmental Impact Assessment Authority to assess whether robust mitigation measures can safeguard the shy, Schedule‑I blackbuck population.
- Blackbucks frequently roam up to 5 km beyond the sanctuary’s borders, exposing them to habitat fragmentation from nearby development.
- The case underscores a legal effort to reconcile wildlife protection with regional economic interests.
Detailed Insights
The bench headed by Justice Pushpa Sathyanarayana and Dr. Prashant Gargava heard a petition filed by Raja Jebadoss, who contested the State Expert Appraisal Committee’s denial of clearance for a stone‑and‑gravel quarry in Padmanabamangalam village, Thoothukudi district. The SEIAA had previously dismissed the project because of fears that free‑ranging blackbucks could wander into the mining zone, become trapped, or suffer disturbance despite possible fencing. The NGT observed that these concerns, while valid, were not supported by documented harm and therefore warranted a balanced approach. It directed the SEIAA to re‑evaluate the proposal, focusing on stringent safeguards such as wildlife corridors, noise‑abatement, and continuous monitoring, before arriving at a final decision.
Key Concepts
- Schedule‑I Species: Animals listed under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 that receive the highest level of legal protection in India.
- Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA): A systematic process to predict the environmental consequences of a proposed project and to propose mitigation strategies.
- Mitigation Measures: Specific actions—such as fencing, speed limits, and habitat restoration—designed to minimize adverse effects on wildlife.