Asserting Protection of Wildlife as a Duty, Chhattisgarh HC Emphasizes Leopard Conservation

In a significant ruling, the Chhattisgarh High Court, during a public interest litigation hearing on leopard conservation, underscored the paramount importance of safeguarding the existing wildlife within our territories. The bench, led by Chief Justice Ramesh Kumar Sinha and Justice Ravindra Kumar Agrawal, directed the Forest Department to prioritize the protection of wildlife, terming it not only a responsibility but a moral duty.

The court pointed out the flawed practices of the Forest Department, which often captures leopards without identifying whether they are problem animals, and relocates them far from their habitat without the use of radio collars. This approach, contrary to the guidelines set by the Government of India, exacerbates the challenges leopards face in adapting to new environments, often leading to fatal outcomes.

Petitioner Nitin Singhvi, through his counsel, highlighted the government’s guidelines, which mandate the identification and radio-collaring of problem leopards before relocating them to their natural habitat, rather than distant locations. The High Court was informed about the distressing state of leopards in Chhattisgarh, where the forest department, deeming leopards a threat to humans without adequate information, relocates them, causing adaptation challenges and, in some instances, death.

A concerning incident in Kanker was discussed where three leopards were captured without specific identification, leading to the death of one due to septicemia caused by injuries sustained while struggling in captivity. The court acknowledged the department’s admission of the leopard’s death due to septicemia, pointing out the need for improved handling and care of these wild animals.

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Furthermore, data indicates a significant decline in leopard populations in Chhattisgarh, with estimates showing a decrease from 130 to 175 leopards since 2018, particularly in the state’s three tiger reserves. The Indravati Tiger Reserve saw a drastic 95% drop, Udanti Sitanadi by 70%, and Achanakmar Tiger Reserve by 11%.