Supreme Court Stays Construction Of 4 Dams In Haryana's Kalesar Wildlife Sanctuary

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

The WII found that the construction of four dams—Chikan Dam, Kansli Dam, Ambawali Dam, and Khillanwalla—in Kalesar Wildlife Sanctuary, Haryana, "will not only be determinantal to the Wild Life population but also to the ecosystem", the Court noted.

The report also notes that the intended purposes of these dams are unlikely to be achieved. The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and the Chief Wildlife Warden, in a communication dated 01.08.2019, agreed with the WII's opinion.

Furthermore, the report revealed that eight earthen dams were previously built by the Forest Department near the proposed dams. These dams are regularly used by most of the mammalian species in the area. The report states that the construction of the proposed dams would change the natural water storage capacity of the earthen dams during the monsoon.

Considering these aspects, the bench comprising Justices BR Gavai and Sandeep Mehta issued notice to the State of Haryana, returnable on 24.07.2024. 

"Until further orders, we direct that no steps shall be taken for construction of the dams proposed," the bench ordered.

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

Click here to read the order