Nagpur High Court Directs Expedited Approval for Tadoba Tiger Rescue Centre
The Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court has indicated that the long-pending proposal to establish a rescue centre within the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve is nearing completion, with only one crucial approval remaining. On Wednesday, the court directed authorities to accelerate the process by promptly approaching the chief secretary.
Court Hearing on Tiger Health and Rescue Centre
During a hearing of a suo motu Public Interest Litigation initiated due to concerns over the deteriorating health of the 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, in its affidavit, clarified that the project now awaits a final procedural approval related to ongoing proceedings before the Supreme Court.
The court has directed the FDCM to immediately submit a proposal to the chief secretary, seeking approval to file an interlocutory application before the Supreme Court. The bench further mandated that a compliance report detailing the steps taken must be submitted within two weeks.
Urgency and Systemic Gaps in Wildlife Management
The establishment of the rescue centre has gained urgency amid growing concerns about wildlife management and the need for specialized care facilities within protected forest zones. The court initially took cognizance of the condition of 'Chhota Matka' and subsequently expanded the scope of the proceedings to address systemic deficiencies in handling injured or vulnerable wildlife in the reserve.
The affidavit explained that while technical and administrative approvals for the project are largely in place, judicial clearance is required 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.
Procedural Requirements and Administrative Action
The court emphasized that this procedural requirement should not result in avoidable delays and stressed the importance of prompt administrative action. During a previous hearing, court-appointed amicus curiae Yashvardhan Sambare filed a revised petition specifically requesting the establishment of a rescue centre in Tadoba. In response, the bench issued a notice to the FDCM and sought a clear timeline for the construction and operationalization of the facility.
Advocate SN Rao, representing the state, assisted the court in outlining the procedural framework and the current status of approvals. The bench, while monitoring compliance, signaled its expectation for coordinated action between departments to ensure the project does not remain stalled at the final stage.
