High Court Demands Action on Tiger Mortality
The Madhya Pradesh High Court has directed the state government to submit a detailed report on tiger deaths in the state's reserves and the measures taken to control the canine distemper virus (CDV) outbreak. The court emphasized strict compliance with all Supreme Court directives concerning tiger reserves.
Court's Directive to Government
Hearing a public interest litigation, the division bench of Chief Justice Suresh Kumar Kait and Justice Vivek Jain asked the government to file an affidavit within four weeks. The court sought details on the number of tiger deaths in the past three years, causes, and steps to prevent further fatalities. It specifically noted the CDV outbreak reported in some reserves, calling it a serious threat to the big cat population.
Canine Distemper Virus Threat
Canine distemper virus, often transmitted from domestic dogs, has been identified as a cause of several tiger deaths in Madhya Pradesh. The court asked the forest department to outline containment strategies, including vaccination of stray dogs around reserves and rapid response protocols. According to the petition, at least 12 tigers died due to CDV in the last year alone.
Supreme Court Orders on Tiger Conservation
The High Court reminded the state of the Supreme Court's 2022 judgment mandating strict enforcement of the Wildlife Protection Act and the National Tiger Conservation Authority guidelines. These include maintaining inviolate spaces, regular health monitoring, and controlling human-animal conflict. The court warned that failure to comply would result in contempt proceedings.
State's Response and Next Steps
The state advocate general assured the court that a comprehensive action plan is being implemented, including enhanced surveillance and veterinary care. The court has scheduled the next hearing for August 20, 2026, expecting a concrete progress report. The state's tiger population, estimated at over 700, has been facing rising mortality due to poaching, disease, and habitat loss.
