The Rajasthan High Court has directed forest authorities to seize and attach illegal properties and constructions within the critical tiger habitat of the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve in Sawai Madhopur district.
The court also instructed police and district administration officials to cooperate with forest authorities, emphasizing that the Director General of Police should supervise the situation.
During a hearing of a criminal miscellaneous petition, Justice Sameer Jain expressed concern over ongoing construction and encroachment in the critical habitat. Ajay Pratap Singh, the petitioner’s counsel, stated that the court has mandated police cooperation with forest officials and indicated that any non-compliance should be reported to the court.
Singh highlighted that illegal constructions, primarily commercial in nature, are occurring within the critical tiger habitat, posing a threat to local flora and fauna. He urged for an immediate halt to these activities and called for a fair investigation.
The court engaged in a video conference with the Chief Conservator of Forests in Ranthambore, the Additional Superintendent of Police, and the ADM of Sawai Madhopur.
Officials confirmed that ongoing encroachments and illegal constructions in the critical zone are explicitly prohibited and fall under the definition of ‘forest.’
The court noted that while the Forest Department is taking action, the lack of cooperation from police and administration, compounded by large-scale protests, has hindered effective measures. The next hearing is scheduled for October 17.
Ranthambore is one of northern India’s largest and most famous national parks, home to over 70 big cats. The Ranthambore Tiger Reserve spans 1,700.22 sq. km, with 1,113.364 sq. km designated as Critical Tiger Habitat and 297.92 sq. km as Buffer Area.
