Wildlife Safeguards Key as NGT Reviews Quarry Plan Near Vallanadu Sanctuary

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed authorities to reconsider a quarry proposal near the Vallanadu Blackbuck Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu. While ensuring protection for the endangered blackbuck population. The tribunal noted that blackbucks are timid and shy animals and any human disturbance can harm their natural habitat. Instead of completely rejecting the quarry project the NGT asked the State Environmental Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA), Tamil Nadu to review the proposal again and determine whether strict safeguards and mitigation measures can protect wildlife.

NGT Vallanadu Blackbuck Sanctuary Quarry Case Explained

• The NGT Vallanadu Blackbuck Sanctuary quarry case was heard by a bench consisting of Justice Pushpa Sathyanarayana and Dr Prashant Gargava.
• The tribunal was examining a petition filed by Tuticorin resident Raja Jebadoss challenging the rejection of a quarry project.
• The SEIAA Tamil Nadu had earlier rejected the quarry proposal due to concerns about its impact on blackbucks living near the sanctuary.
• The NGT Vallanadu Blackbuck Sanctuary ruling set aside the rejection order.
• NGT Asked authorities to reconsider the project with proper wildlife safeguards.

Why Vallanadu Blackbuck Sanctuary Is Ecologically Important

• The Vallanadu Blackbuck Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu is dedicated to the conservation of blackbucks, also known as Indian antelope.
• Blackbucks are listed as Schedule I protected species under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 which provides the highest level of protection.
• These animals require open grasslands with scattered bushes for survival.
• Studies show that blackbucks often move up to 5 km outside the sanctuary to graze on nearby lands.
• Which is increasing the risk of disturbance from nearby development activities.

Quarry Proposal Near Vallanadu Sanctuary and Environmental Concerns

• The proposed stone and gravel quarry project covers about 6.02 hectares in Padmanabamangalam village of Srivaikundam taluk in Thoothukudi district.
• The site is located approximately 1.7-1.9 km from the Vallanadu Blackbuck Sanctuary.
• Environmental authorities were concerned that blackbucks moving outside the sanctuary might enter the mining area and become trapped, even if fencing is installed.
• Because of these concerns, the State Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC) did not recommend environmental clearance, leading to the SEIAA rejection in April 2023.

NGT Vallanadu Blackbuck Sanctuary Judgment: Balanced Approach

• The NGT Vallanadu Blackbuck Sanctuary judgment acknowledged the ecological sensitivity of the area.
• However, the tribunal noted that the quarry proposal was rejected mainly due to concerns about possible blackbuck movement not proven harm.
• The NGT said authorities should examine whether strict environmental safeguards could protect wildlife instead of rejecting the project outright.
• This approach highlights the need to balance environmental conservation with economic development.

Blackbucks and Wildlife Protection in India

• The blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra) is a graceful antelope species native to the Indian subcontinent.
• It is classified as a Schedule I species under the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972.
• Which is meaning it receives the highest level of legal protection.
• Blackbucks prefer open grasslands and semi-arid landscapes and are extremely sensitive to human disturbances.
• Several wildlife sanctuaries across India and including the Vallanadu Blackbuck Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu, were established to conserve this species.
• Conservation efforts have helped blackbuck populations recover in some regions, but habitat loss and human activities remain significant threats.

Vallanadu Wildlife Sanctuary

• Located in Tamil Nadu and established mainly to protect the Blackbuck antelope.
• Covers an area of 16.41 sq km with dry scrub forest vegetation.
• Fauna includes Blackbuck, Spotted Deer, Bonnet Macaque, Jungle Cat, Small Indian Civet and Black-naped Hare.
• Bird and reptile species include Rose-ringed Parakeet and Common Indian Monitor Lizard.
• Flora consists of Acacia, Albizia amara, Zizyphus species, Azadirachta indica (Neem), Carissa carandus and Euphorbia acalypha.

Question

Q. Vallanadu Blackbuck Sanctuary, mentioned in the NGT case, is located in which state?

A. Karnataka
B. Tamil Nadu
C. Andhra Pradesh
D. Telangana