Guwahati, Aug. 18 -- The Supreme Court on Monday said States cannot obstruct elephant corridors simply because wild elephants damage crops, stressing that established wildlife movement routes must remain open.

A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V. Mohana made the observation while hearing a matter related to elephant corridors and human-elephant conflict.

The bench stressed that elephant herds naturally travel long distances and their movement cannot be restricted by putting up barriers along their established routes.

"We are very clear that there cannot be obstacles in the way of wildlife. Elephant herds have a practice of travelling long distances. No State can say that just beca...