SC seeks ATR on death of tigers

By Our Legal Correspondent

NEW DELHI, JULY 10. A three-member Bench of the Supreme Court today expressed its serious concern at the tragic death of 12 tigers in the Nandankanan Zoological Park in Orissa a few days ago and directed the Centre to file in the court the report of the high-level committee probing the incident along with the action taken report (ATR).

The report of the committee along with the ATR supported by an affidavit from Mr. S.C. Sharma, Additional Inspector-General of Wildlife, should be filed in three weeks, the Bench said.

The Bench comprising the Chief Justice, Dr. Justice A.S. Anand, Mr. Justice R.C. Lahoti and Mr. Justice K.G. Balakrishnan made this direction when a pending public interest litigation (PIL) writ petition from Mr. Navin M. Raheja seeking suitable directions for the protection of tigers and wild animals came up for further hearing before the Bench.

Mr. Altaf Ahmed, Additional Solicitor-General (ASG) appearing for the Union of India submitted that the death of the tigers at the Nandankanan Zoo was not connected with the PIL petition dealing with the `Project Tiger'.

At this stage, the Bench observed that it was worse that the 12 tigers died while in the protective custody of the zoo. The Bench also said that it had to address the larger issue of protecting the tiger population not only in forests but also in zoos. The court referred to the figures of the year-wise death of wild animals including tigers kept in zoos since 1984 as put out by a TV channel and described the situation as `alarming'.

The Bench also said it was necessary to go into the reasons as to why the death of animals had taken place and if this was due to negligence. It was also essential as to what remedial steps were taken, the Bench observed and added that unless this was done, nothing would happen and no amount of legislation or directions from the court would improve the situation.

Patnaik promises action

By Our Staff Correspondent

BHUBANESWAR, JULY 10. The Orissa Chief Minister, Mr. Naveen Patnaik, today said that stern action would be taken if anyone was found anyway responsible for the death of the tigers.

Responding to the remarks of Mr. Suresh Routray, Congress(I) MLA, that the Central team had not been given the right information regarding the circumstances which led to the death, the Chief Minister said in the Assembly that the Government was concerned about the issue. Action would be taken if anyone was found at fault by the Central team, he said.

Mr. Patnaik said the zoo authorities were in touch with experts outside the State to ensure the well being of the remaining tigers in the park.

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