Photo: Save Mon Region Federation. The lawyers for the dam continued to argue that there are no Black-necked Cranes in the area, despite photographic evidence to the contrary. They further argued that even if the birds do winter at the site, their numbers are not large enough to delay development. The lawyers also stated that there were 'no threatened species as described by IUCN' found on the project site. This is factually incorrect, Black-necked Cranes are listed as ‘Vulnerable', and with a decreasing population, on the IUCN Red List.
When asked by the bench to show the provisions made for Black-necked Cranes in the Environment Impact Assessment and Environmental Management Plan, the developers mentioned an ‘Overall Biodiversity Management Plan'. As part of their mitigation proposal, the developers have offered a laughable solution by proposing the provision of nesting boxes for the cranes.
The local Monpa Buddhist community protects and conserves the remote area of Zemithang even during the cold winter months, and is determined to oppose the dam with all their strength. Based on their experiences and records, it is very hard to believe that a biodiversity hotspot like Zemithang does not have any threatened species, as argued by the developers.
Neha Sinha of the BNHS is closely monitoring the case and will be providing regular update as the matter proceeds. Read her article on the Black-necked Crane and why it must be saved, here:
Will the Black-necked Crane go the way of the Siberian Crane?
