The Maharashtra government on Thursday initiated proceedings in the Supreme Court to secure approval for establishing a wildlife rescue centre inside the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR). This move could pave the way for a dedicated rehabilitation facility similar to the Gorewada rescue centre in Nagpur.
Background of the Case
The development was disclosed before the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court during a hearing on a suo motu public interest litigation (PIL) concerning the deteriorating condition of 'Chhota Matka', a tiger from the TATR buffer zone. A division bench comprising Justices Anil Kilor and Raj Wakode was informed that the state government has approved the filing of an interlocutory application before the Supreme Court, where a related matter concerning the project is already pending. Yashowardhan Sambre is the amicus curiae in the PIL, while SN Rao held brief for the government.
Proposed Centre's Objectives
The proposed centre is expected to provide medical care, rehabilitation, and monitoring facilities for injured, rescued, and conflict-affected wildlife from the Tadoba landscape, one of India's most prominent tiger habitats. During the hearing, the court-appointed amicus curiae urged the bench to expedite the establishment of the centre, citing the urgent need for a specialised facility within the reserve.
Timeline and Approvals
Taking note of the submissions earlier, the high court had sought clarification from the Forest Development Corporation of Maharashtra Limited (FDCM) on the likely timeline for the completion of the project. The state informed the court that details relating to the proposed construction are now required to be placed before the Supreme Court as part of the pending proceedings. With the approval process underway, the project now awaits clearance from the apex court.
The matter will be heard further after the court's summer vacation.
Key Points
- Maharashtra government moved the Supreme Court for Tadoba rescue centre approval.
- The proposed facility is planned inside the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve.
- The state informed the Bombay High Court about filing an interlocutory application.
- The matter stems from the deteriorating condition of the tiger 'Chhota Matka'.
- The High Court earlier sought a project timeline from FDCM.
- The rescue centre is proposed on the lines of the Gorewada wildlife facility in Nagpur.
- The centre is expected to aid treatment and rehabilitation of injured wildlife.
- A related matter concerning the project is already pending before the Supreme Court.
- The case was heard by Justices Anil Kilor and Raj Wakode.
- Further hearing is scheduled after the summer vacation of the court.
