Supreme Court Satisfied with Centre’s Efforts to Save Cheetahs, Disposes of Application
The Supreme Court, in a recent development, has expressed satisfaction with the efforts of the Centre to save cheetahs and has disposed of an application related to the death of cheetahs at Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh. A bench comprising justices BR Gavai, PS Narasimha, and Prashant Kumar Mishra acknowledged the steps taken by the government after the deaths of cheetahs and commended the progress made so far.
During the hearing, Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, representing the government, informed the court about the inaccuracies in some media reports regarding the death of cheetahs. She also shed light on the achievements of the translocation process, including the birth of four cubs by a female cheetah in the wild.
ASG Bhati updated the court about the meticulous preparation undertaken for the cheetah reintroduction project, stating that the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has done an exemplary job. Responding to the court’s query about cheetah deaths, she mentioned that some cheetahs may have died due to dehydration, but assured that the project is progressing well. The Centre emphasized that it is a one-of-a-kind project and will be taken care of with utmost dedication.
The Supreme Court, in its observations, acknowledged the formation of an expert panel to oversee the translocation process and expressed its trust in their expertise. The court stated that it had no doubts about the involvement of experts because this matter falls within the domain of executive expertise, reflecting its belief in the government’s ability to handle the issue effectively.
Earlier, the NTCA had informed the Supreme Court that potential sites in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan had been identified for the introduction of cheetahs, and the provisional diagnosis of mortality events indicated natural causes as the reason for the cheetah deaths. The action plan proposed Kuno National Park, Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary, Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh, and Shahgarh Bulge, Bhainsrorgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, and the enclosure of Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan as potential sites for the reintroduction of cheetahs.
In February this year, twelve cheetahs from South Africa were brought to Kuno National Park as part of the reintroduction efforts. Previously, eight cheetahs from Namibia were released at the park by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his birthday, September 17, 2022. Unfortunately, one cheetah recently passed away due to illness. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with South Africa aims to establish a viable and secure cheetah population in India while promoting conservation and facilitating the exchange of expertise.
Although the deaths of cheetahs at Kuno National Park, including the recent demise of Dhatri and Suraj, have raised concerns, the Supreme Court expressed satisfaction with the measures taken by the Centre. The government’s commitment and comprehensive action plan have reassured the judiciary regarding the conservation of cheetahs. With further expert guidance and continued efforts, the project is expected to progress successfully, ensuring the revival and preservation of this magnificent species.
In conclusion, the Supreme Court’s disposal of the application signifies its confidence in the Centre’s efforts to save cheetahs and the measures undertaken to rectify the situation effectively. The government’s commitment, combined with the expertise of the National Tiger Conservation Authority, provides hope for the successful reintroduction and conservation of cheetahs in India. The Supreme Court’s satisfaction serves as a testament to the progress made so far and reinforces the importance of preserving our natural heritage.
