Supreme Court stays construction of dams in Kalesar Wildlife Sanctuary of Haryana

The Supreme Court has stayed the construction of four dams in the Kalesar Wildlife Sanctuary of Haryana following the report by the Wildlife Institute of India that their construction will adversely impact the wildlife population and the ecosystem.

The Bench of Justice BR Gavai and Justice Sandeep Mehta further issued notice to the State of Haryana, returnable on July 24, 2024.

The order was passed on the T N Godavarman Thirumalpad case in which the Supreme Court is monitoring issues related to forest and wildlife across the country.

As per the WII report, the construction of Chikan Dam, Kansli Dam, Ambawali Dam, and Khillanwalla dam in Kalesar Wildlife Sanctuary of Haryana will not only be detrimental to the wildlife population, but also to the ecosystem.

The Apex Court further noted that the intended purposes of these dams were unlikely to be achieved, after taking into consideration the communication sent by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and the Chief Wildlife Warden on August 1, 2019.

The report further revealed that eight earthen dams were previously built by the Forest Department near the proposed dams. These dams were regularly used by most of the mammalian species in the area. 

It said the construction of the proposed dams would change the natural water storage capacity of the earthen dams during the monsoon.

The top court of the country directed that no steps shall be taken for construction of the dams proposed untill further orders.