Order of the National Green Tribunal (Eastern Zone Bench, Kolkata) in the matter of Society for Protecting Ophiofauna and Animal Rights (OPORS) Vs State of West Bengal & Others with Biswajit Mukherjee & Others dated 12/08/2021.

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The matter related to construction of twin 2 lane road over bridge (ROB) and its approaches in replacement of level crossing of 652 kms of National Highway 31 between Neora and Lathaguri under Jalpaiguri Forest Division, West Bengal and its effect on the elephants.

The NGT noted that the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) was directed, July 15, 2021 to file an affidavit showing the compliance of the directions given by the Principal Bench, New Delhi, particularly with reference to the demarcation of the Elephant Corridor. The ministry was also asked to file its response on the issuance of state-II forest clearance in favour of Public Works Department (Roads), West Bengal for the twin 2 lane ROB. The counsel for the MoEF&CC has sought two weeks time to file reply.

The court listed the matter for September 8, 2021.