Maha moves Supreme Court for wildlife rescue centre in Tadoba

Nagpur: Maharashtra govt on Thursday initiated proceedings in the Supreme Court to secure approval for establishing a wildlife rescue centre inside Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR), a move that could pave way for a dedicated rehabilitation facility on the lines of Gorewada rescue centre in Nagpur.The development was disclosed before the Nagpur bench of Bombay high court during a hearing on a suo motu PIL concerning deteriorating condition of ‘Chhota Matka', a tiger from TATR buffer zone.A division bench comprising Justices Anil Kilor and Raj Wakode was informed that the state govt has approved filing of an interlocutory application before the Supreme Court, where a related matter concerning the project is already pending. Yashowardhan Sambre is amicus curiae in the PIL, while SN Rao held brief for the govt.The proposed centre is expected to provide medical care, rehabilitation and monitoring facilities for injured, rescued and conflict-affected wildlife from the Tadoba landscape, one of India's most prominent tiger habitats.During the hearing, court-appointed amicus curiae urged the bench to expedite the establishment of the centre, citing urgent need for a specialised facility within the reserve. Taking note of the submissions earlier, the high court had sought clarification from Forest Development Corporation of Maharashtra Limited (FDCM) on the likely timeline for completion of the project.The state informed the court that details relating to the proposed construction are now required to be placed before the Supreme Court as part of the pending proceedings. With the approval process underway, the project now awaits clearance from the apex court.The matter will be heard further after the court's summer vacation.Awaiting Apex ClearanceMaharashtra govt moved Supreme Court for Tadoba rescue centre approvalProposed facility planned inside Tadoba-Andhari Tiger ReserveState informed Bombay HC about filing interlocutory applicationMatter stems from deteriorating condition of tiger ‘Chhota Matka'HC earlier sought project timeline from FDCMRescue centre proposed on lines of Gorewada wildlife facility in NagpurCentre expected to aid treatment and rehabilitation of injured wildlifeRelated matter concerning project already pending before Supreme CourtCase heard by Justices Anil Kilor and Raj WakodeFurther hearing scheduled after summer vacation of the court