The Supreme Court of India, led by Justice B.R. Gavai, emphasized the need for a uniform policy for the management of tiger reserves across the nation during a hearing related to issues at the Corbett Tiger Reserve in Uttarakhand. The apex court’s bench, which also includes Justices Augustine George Masih and K Vinod Chandran, highlighted the necessity of standardized regulations to ensure consistent and effective conservation practices in all tiger habitats.
Justice Gavai pointed out the urgency of the situation by referencing a recent incident in Maharashtra’s Umred-Pauni-Karhandla Sanctuary, where safari vehicles disrupted a tigress and her cubs. The incident, which led the Bombay High Court to take suo motu cognizance, underscored the challenges wildlife sanctuaries face due to human activities. “We want a uniform policy throughout the country so far as management of tiger reserves are concerned,” Justice Gavai stated, stressing the importance of including vehicular movement regulations within the reserves.
The court also addressed the issue of illegal activities within the reserves, such as unauthorized construction and tree felling in the Corbett Tiger Reserve. Senior advocate K Parameshwar, serving as amicus curiae, brought up an ongoing investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into these illegal activities. The justices reviewed the CBI’s report and expressed concern over the enforcement of environmental laws.
The Uttarakhand government’s counsel updated the court on the status of departmental inquiries against officials implicated in these illegal activities. While some cases have been concluded, others remain pending. The bench firmly stated that the CBI’s findings should be reported directly to the court, bypassing state intermediaries, to maintain transparency and accountability.
Looking ahead, the Supreme Court scheduled the next hearing for March 19, warning that it expects sincere progress in addressing these conservation challenges. “We make it clear that if by March 19, we find that you are not sincere in taking action, then your chief secretary will be unnecessarily invited here,” the bench cautioned. This statement underlines the court’s commitment to ensuring that responsible parties are held accountable and that effective measures are implemented promptly.
