Uttarakhand HC closes PIL on elephant corridor cites 2020 SC ruling

Uttarakhand High Court Closes PIL on Elephant Corridor

Dehradun: The Uttarakhand High Court closed a public interest litigation (PIL) on Friday. The court raised concerns about the elephant corridor in the state. It noted that the issue had already been settled by the Supreme Court in 2020.

Details of the Court’s Decision

A division bench, including Chief Justice G. Narendar and Justice Siddhartha Sah, disposed of the PIL filed by Reenu Paul. The court stated that revisiting the matter would be “duplication and redundant.” The court and the state must follow the apex court’s judgment in the case of Hospitality Association of Mudumalai vs In Defence of Environment and Animals and Others (2020).

Supreme Court’s Ruling on Elephant Corridors

The Supreme Court upheld strict protection of elephant corridors and forest land in Tamil Nadu’s Nilgiris region. It rejected challenges from private resort and hotel owners in ecologically sensitive areas. Environmental groups had raised concerns about large-scale commercial activities obstructing elephant movement and threatening wildlife habitats.

Environmental Protection Over Commercial Interests

The Supreme Court ruled that environmental protection and wildlife conservation take precedence over commercial interests. Once land is identified as an elephant corridor, no construction or commercial activity can be allowed, regardless of prior occupation or investment.

Related Cases and Ongoing Issues

The High Court noted that issues related to forest destruction were under consideration in the Supreme Court case of Anita Kandwal vs State of Uttarakhand. This case involves the alleged illegal occupation of over 2,800 acres of Uttarakhand government forest land.

Supreme Court’s Criticism of State Authorities

On December 22, 2025, the Supreme Court criticized state authorities for “sitting like mute spectators” while forest land was encroached. It directed the chief secretary and the principal chief conservator of forests to form an enquiry committee.

Awaiting Supreme Court’s Decision

The High Court stated it would be appropriate to wait for the apex court’s decision. The petitioner can seek impleadment in the pending Supreme Court proceedings. The court closed the PIL while keeping the contentions of all parties open.

Tree Felling Proposal in Shivalik Elephant Reserve

In March this year, the Uttarakhand High Court directed the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the state forest department to consult the Forest Research Institute, Dehradun. They need to find ways to save trees in the Shivalik Elephant Reserve due to a proposed road project.

Details of the Road Project

The proposal involves felling 4,400 trees for a four-lane road project between Bhaniyawala in Dehradun and Rishikesh. The HC issued these directions while hearing a PIL filed by Reenu Paul.

Petitioner’s Counsel Comments

Abhijay Negi, counsel for the petitioner, stated that the PIL requested the state government to stop the proposed felling of trees. The HC has applied the apex court’s elephant corridor judgment to all corridors in Uttarakhand. The HC has not vacated its earlier stay order, and the NHAI has not been granted permission to start felling trees.