Summary:
Nainital: An RTI query by Haldwani-based activist revealed that at least seven elephant corridors between Pantnagar and Kathgodam have been encroached upon, thus disturbing movement of pachyderms in the area.Activist Gurvinder Singh Chadha said, “The state forest department has accepted that encroachment has taken place at various places in elephant corridors. This has adversely affected the elephants and given rise to instances of man-animal conflict and the issue should be taken up urgently.”The reply also revealed that more than 11,000 trees have already been razed to complete the broadening work of National Highway (NH) 87.Wildlife enthusiast Mohsin Raza said, “The opening of an Indian oil depot in the region, encroachment by local residents and felling of trees have affected the life of elephants, and eventually disturbed the balance in the ecosystem.”.