Nagpur High Court Directs Expedited Action on Tadoba Tiger Rescue Centre
The Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court has indicated that the long-awaited proposal to establish a dedicated rescue centre within the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve is nearing completion, with only one crucial approval remaining. The court has issued directives to authorities to accelerate the process by approaching the chief secretary without any further delay.
Court Hearing Reveals Progress on Clearances
During a hearing concerning a suo motu Public Interest Litigation (PIL) initiated due to concerns over the deteriorating health of a tiger named 'Chhota Matka,' a division bench comprising Justices Anil Kilor and Raj Wakode was informed that most necessary clearances for the rescue centre have already been secured. The Maharashtra Forest Development Corporation (FDCM) submitted an affidavit stating that the project now awaits a final procedural approval, which is linked to ongoing proceedings before the Supreme Court.
Taking note of this submission, the court directed FDCM to immediately prepare and send a proposal to the chief secretary. This proposal seeks approval to file an interlocutory application before the Supreme Court. The bench further mandated that a compliance report detailing all steps taken in this regard must be submitted within two weeks.
Urgency Driven by Wildlife Management Concerns
The establishment of the rescue centre has gained significant urgency against the backdrop of growing concerns regarding wildlife management and the critical need for specialized care facilities within protected forest zones. The court had earlier taken cognizance of the condition of 'Chhota Matka' and subsequently expanded the scope of the proceedings to address systemic gaps in handling injured or vulnerable wildlife within the reserve.
The affidavit clarified that while technical and administrative approvals for the project are largely in place, the requirement for judicial clearance arises because any construction activity in the core or buffer zones of wildlife sanctuaries necessitates prior permission from the Supreme Court. In such instances, an interlocutory application must be filed to seek specific relief or exemption.
Court Emphasizes Need to Avoid Procedural Delays
The court noted that this procedural requirement should not lead to avoidable delays and emphasized the necessity for prompt administrative action. During a previous hearing, court-appointed amicus curiae Yashvardhan Sambare filed a revised petition specifically advocating for the establishment of a rescue centre in Tadoba. Acting on this, the bench issued notices to FDCM and sought a clear and definitive timeline for both the construction and operationalization of the facility.
Appearing for the state, advocate SN Rao assisted the court in outlining the procedural framework and the current status of approvals. The bench, while actively monitoring compliance, signaled its expectation for coordinated action between various departments to ensure that the project does not remain stalled at this final, critical stage.
The push for this rescue centre highlights a broader commitment to enhancing wildlife conservation infrastructure in Maharashtra's protected areas, ensuring better care and management for tigers and other vulnerable species in the region.
