The Supreme Court of India on Wednesday expressed strong disapproval of the Uttarakhand government’s “snail’s pace” approach in dealing with senior officers accused of illegal constructions within the Corbett Tiger Reserve.
The court demanded that departmental proceedings against these officials be concluded within 3 months.
Court’s Observation
The bench, comprising Justices BR Gavai and Augustine George Masih, emphasized the state’s tendency to take swift action against junior-level officers while showing leniency towards senior officers. Referring to an affidavit submitted by the state, the court noted that departmental proceedings had already been completed against 16 out of 17 officers of lower ranks, such as rangers and deputy rangers. The proceedings for one officer were halted due to their unfortunate death in a road accident.
Despite this, the court pointed out that the proceedings against senior officers were progressing at an alarmingly slow rate. The bench remarked, “We, therefore, direct the state government to conclude all the departmental proceedings in respect of all the officers within a period of 3 months from today.” It also set a date for the next hearing in three months, stressing the urgency of resolving the matter.
Eco-Sensitive Zone Notification For National Parks
Alongside the Corbett case, the Supreme Court was also addressing the issue of the eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) notification for both Rajaji National Park and Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand. According to the National Environment Policy of 2006, an ESZ is a designated area with vital environmental resources that need special conservation efforts due to their unique biodiversity, historical, or natural significance.
On March 5, the court had granted time for the submission of a revised proposal concerning the ESZ. Uttarakhand’s counsel informed the court that the revised proposal was sent to the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) on March 11. The court instructed the ministry to consider the proposal and take necessary steps for the publication of the final notification, following the legal process.
Ministry’s Assurance
Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, representing the MoEFCC, assured the court that the process would begin promptly and that efforts would be made to complete it at the earliest. The matter was then scheduled for further hearing in 12 weeks.
Case Background
In a previous ruling in March 2024, the Supreme Court had strongly criticized illegal construction activities and tree felling in the Corbett Tiger Reserve.
The court had been addressing a plea regarding the destruction of tiger habitat and the decline in tiger population in the Lansdowne Forest Division, which was reportedly caused by illegal construction in the Pakhro Tiger Safari and the illegal felling of trees. The Central Bureau of Investigation was directed to submit a status report on the ongoing investigation.
Court’s intervention highlights its continued commitment to preserving the integrity of India’s wildlife reserves and holding authorities accountable for environmental violations.
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