The Bombay High Court's Kolhapur bench has instructed the Maharashtra government to personally consult a top wildlife expert to devise a concrete and expedited plan for establishing a proposed elephant camp in the district. The directive came during a hearing on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning the welfare and rehabilitation of a sub-adult elephant named 'Omkar'.
Court Questions Four-Year Timeline for Urgent Project
On Tuesday, the bench comprising Justice MS Karnik and Justice Ajit B Kadethankar expressed dissatisfaction with the state's submitted timeline of four years to set up the camp at Ghatkarwadi in Ajara tehsil. The court had earlier, on Monday, asked the state to provide a clear schedule within 24 hours, deeming the four-year period excessive for a project of urgent ecological importance.
The judges emphasized the pressing need for the facility, considering the limited elephant population in the Sahyadri region, which spans Kolhapur, Sindhudurg, and parts of neighbouring Goa and Karnataka. Additional Government Pleader T J Kapre informed the court that State Forest Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar had given his assent to the project on December 5 and that the required permissions from the Central Zoo Authority were pending.
Bench Seeks Guidance from Renowned Conservationist
Unconvinced by the procedural explanations, the bench specifically named Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) M Srinivas Reddy for consultation. The court noted Reddy's successful track record in executing wildlife conservation projects, particularly in the Melghat area of the Vidarbha region.
"Personally talk to him. We need his guidance," the bench stated. Justice Karnik further clarified the court's stance, saying, "We want him to place on record a plan as to how to go about with the project. We don't want to rush the project, but four years is too long." The court's primary demand is for the CCF (Wildlife) to submit a prioritized timeline for completing the project, underscoring that the state needs to demonstrate seriousness in addressing the issue.
Root of the Case: Stray Elephant 'Omkar'
The PIL that triggered this judicial intervention seeks the rehabilitation and welfare of the sub-adult elephant 'Omkar'. The elephant has strayed from its herd and has been causing significant damage to crops and properties in the southern parts of Sindhudurg district. The proposed elephant camp at Ghatkarwadi is envisioned as a long-term solution for managing such human-elephant conflicts and providing care for elephants in the region.
The court's intervention highlights the critical balance between bureaucratic processes and urgent conservation needs. By mandating direct consultation with an expert known for on-ground results, the judiciary is pushing for a pragmatic and accelerated approach to wildlife management in Maharashtra.
