Rajasthan High Court Directs State Government on Elephant Welfare at Hathi Gaon
The Rajasthan High Court has taken a firm stance on the welfare of elephants at Hathi Gaon in Amber, with the state government informing the court that steps will be taken to ensure their well-being. A division bench comprising Justice P S Bhati and Justice V K Mathur has posted the matter for further hearing on April 6, 2024, while hearing a suo motu petition concerning the management and welfare of these majestic animals.
Amicus Curiae Highlights Critical Concerns in Detailed Affidavit
Amicus curiae advocate Shobit Tiwari submitted a comprehensive affidavit to the court, bringing to light several alarming issues regarding the health and living conditions of the elephants in the elephant village. The affidavit, a copy of which was obtained by TOI on Thursday, references a 2018 health audit conducted by the veterinary department and the Animal Welfare Board of India. This audit flagged "serious medical conditions among elephants", alongside concerns related to ownership, malnutrition, and possible trafficking.
Furthermore, the affidavit cites a January 8, 2008 report from the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests, which laid down specific provisions concerning elephant ownership certificates, transportation, housing, and care. Tiwari emphasized to the court that the state government's earlier response was limited to stating that regular medical check-ups were being conducted, but a more detailed affidavit addressing the provisions mentioned in the 2008 report is urgently required.
State Government Commits to Action and Detailed Response
In response to the court's directives, the state government has assured that it will take necessary steps to ensure the welfare of the elephants at Hathi Gaon. Additionally, the government has committed to filing a detailed response to the affidavit submitted by the amicus curiae. This move is seen as a critical step towards addressing the long-standing issues highlighted in the petition and ensuring compliance with national guidelines for elephant care.
The court's intervention underscores the growing importance of animal rights and welfare in judicial proceedings, particularly for species like elephants that are integral to India's cultural and ecological heritage. The upcoming hearing on April 6 is expected to shed more light on the state's proposed measures and their implementation timeline.
This case highlights the ongoing challenges in wildlife management and the need for stringent enforcement of regulations to protect vulnerable animal populations. Stakeholders, including animal welfare organizations and environmental activists, are closely monitoring the developments, hoping for a positive outcome that prioritizes the health and safety of the elephants at Hathi Gaon.
