Rajasthan HC Refuses To Give Directions In Plea Seeking Protection & Maintenance Of Wildlife To Control Man-Animal Conflict In Kumbhalgarh & Todgarh Wildlife Sanctuaries

Through this petition, the petitioner has taken up the cause of proper protection and maintenance of wildlife in and around Kumbhalgarh and Todgarh wildlife sanctuaries.

In particular, according to the petitioner for want of sufficient staff and equipments, the forest department has found it extremely difficult to control the situations of man-animal conflicts as well as to take prompt action for rescue of wild animals in distress.

The court opined that if there are any further deficiencies or short-comings, it is always open for the petitioner to point out the same to the authorities, who would ensure to look into the same and take such measures as found necessary.

Chief Justice Akil Kureshi and Justice Madan Gopal Vyas, ruled,

"In this petition we are not inclined to give any further directions. If there are any further deficiencies or short-comings, it is always open for the petitioner to point out the same to the authorities, who would ensure to look into the same and take such measures as found necessary."

The petitioner produced on record a copy of the Rajasthan State Forest Policy, 2010 and tried to contend that the steps, as envisaged in the said policy documents, are not taken.

The respondents filed a detailed reply along with details of the available staff and equipment. It is pointed out that in furtherance of the reply filed by the petitioner, there is no denial of this data. The respondent pointed out in the affidavit that sufficient staff and equipments are posted at the place and which documents were not seriously disputed.

Adv. Rituraj Singh Rathore appeared for the petitioner, while AAG Sandeep Shah with Adv. Akshiti Singhvi appeared for the respondents.