Kerala High Court Directs State To Stop All Construction For Eco-Tourism Activities On Kuruva Island

The Kerala High Court ordered to stop all construction activities for eco-tourism purposes in Kuruva island until further orders. The Court had earlier ordered for temporary closing of all eco-tourism centres in Wayand, which was after an elephant killed Vellachallil Paul, an eco-tourism employee in Kuruva island.The Court during the hearing on 26th June came to know that sanction has been granted for construction activities worth about Rs. 2 Crore for the purposes of eco-tourism at Kuruva island. The Division Bench of Justice A. K. Jayasankaran Nambiar and Gopinath P. directed the Advocate General to get instructions as to how such a sanction was granted.The Court passed the above order while considering the suo moto PIL, 'In Re Bruno' to monitor State action in reported instances of cruelty to animals. The Court was also informed that a mahout was killed by his elephant while it was used for Safaris in Idukki. It was apprised to the court that such safaris are illegal. However, nearly 36 elephants are being used for such Safaris all over the state without getting any permission from any authority. The Court ordered the District Collector of Idukki to submit a report regarding the legal basis of these safaris and the details of any compensation given to the family of the mahout.Further, Amicus Curiae Senior Counsel Shri. Ramesh Babu informed the Court that fencing needed to be done urgently around the waste dumpyard used by Munnar Grama Panchayat to prevent entry of wild elephants. The Panchayat submitted that it was not in a position to do it as they did not have enough funds. The Court directed the Additional Advocate General to get instructions whether funds can be provided by the State Government or by the District Disaster Management Authority.The case is posted for further hearing on 5th July.Case Title: In Re: BrunoCase Number: WP(C) 13204/ 2021Click here to Read/Download Order

Kerala High Court Directs State To Stop All Construction For Eco-Tourism Activities On Kuruva Island

Manju Elsa Isac

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