India, July 11 -- In response to an application filed earlier by a local resident, the western zone bench (Pune) of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on July 9 directed that fireflies and their fragile habitat in and around the Kalsubai-Harishchandragad wildlife sanctuary be safeguarded. The NGT disposed of the case with a clear directive that protecting the fireflies' habitat must remain a top ecological and administrative priority.

The tribunal issued the direction based on the recommendations of the forest department and Maharashtra Tourism Directorate, both of which raised ecological concerns over unregulated tourism during the fireflies' season from mid-May to mid-June every year.

An enchanting festival locally known as the 'Kajawa...