SC concerned over death of cheetahs at KNP, ask Centre to consider shifting them to Rajasthan

Stating that there is “too much concentration of cheetahs at one place”, the court asked the government to “look for an alternative, either in Madhya Pradesh or Rajasthan”.

By: Express News Service

New Delhi | Updated: May 19, 2023 03:44 AM IST

2 min read

The top court's direction came while hearing an application filed by the Centre seeking direction from the court that it is no longer necessary and mandatory for the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) to continue taking the guidance and advice of the expert committee appointed by this court through an order dated January 28, 2020. (Representational/ Express archive photo)

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Expressing concern about the death of three cheetahs translocated from South Africa and Namibia to Madhya Pradesh’s Kuno National Park, the Supreme Court on Thursday asked the Centre to consider whether the animals can be introduced in other parks as well.

A bench of Justices B R Gavai and Sanjay Karol said that Kuno is “not sufficient to accommodate (the cheetahs)”. Stating that there is “too much concentration of cheetahs at one place”, the court asked the government to “look for an alternative, either in Madhya Pradesh or Rajasthan”.

Also read | Hunting cats that became the hunted: Life & death of the cheetah in India

Appearing for the Centre, Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati said the task force set up for this is considering all options, including shifting them to other sanctuaries. The court referred to news reports that one of the animals had died of kidney ailments and asked how it was cleared to be brought to India if it was not well.

Also read | What causes cheetah deaths, and why confining them may not help

Meanwhile, in an affidavit, the Centre told the top court that no official has any experience in cheetah management in India since the animal went extinct from the country in 1947-48.

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