Today, On 16th January, The Supreme Court of India suggested creating a uniform policy to manage tiger reserves across the country. This would help standardize conservation efforts and protect tiger habitats more effectively. The Court stressed the importance of consistent management to improve tiger conservation. Such a policy would ensure better protection of these important ecological areas.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court expressed its support on Thursday for a unified policy for managing tiger reserves across the country. During a hearing concerning the Corbett Tiger Reserve in Uttarakhand, a bench led by Justice B R Gavai emphasized the need for a consistent approach nationwide.
The bench, which included Justices Augustine George Masih and K Vinod Chandran, stated,
“We want a uniform policy throughout the country regarding the management of tiger reserves,”
They highlighted that the policy should address vehicular movement within these reserves.
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Justice Gavai referenced a recent suo motu cognizance taken by the Bombay High Court regarding an incident in Maharashtra’s Umred-Pauni-Karhandla Sanctuary, where safari vehicles blocked a tigress and her cubs on New Year’s Eve. The bench noted that it had reviewed the CBI’s report on this matter.
The counsel representing the Uttarakhand government updated the bench on the status of a departmental inquiry into officials allegedly involved in illegal tree felling and construction within the tiger reserve. The state’s counsel mentioned that the inquiry had concluded in 17 cases but was still pending in others.
Justice Gavai remarked,
“In Nagpur, I came across a news item. Fortunately, the high court has taken suo motu cognizance,”
Senior advocate K Parameshwar, acting as amicus curiae, referenced a CBI investigation into the illegal activities in the Corbett Tiger Reserve.
When the state’s counsel mentioned the CBI inquiry, the bench responded,
“You are not concerned with the CBI. The CBI is directly reporting to us. Fortunately, it does not have to come via you.”
The bench scheduled the next hearing regarding the Corbett Tiger Reserve for March 19, stating,
“We make it clear that if by March 19 we find that you are not sincere in taking action, then your chief secretary will be unnecessarily invited here.”
The bench also sought information on the actions taken against the implicated officials and the number of penalties imposed. The state’s counsel agreed to file a detailed affidavit outlining the status of the proceedings against these officers.
Additionally, the bench requested that the CBI submit a report on its further investigations before the next hearing date.
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