Focus on CDV Vaccination and Resource Allocation for Tiger Reserves; Court Appreciates Environmental Compliance
In a significant ruling aimed at bolstering wildlife conservation efforts, the Madhya Pradesh High Court, Jabalpur bench, comprising Justices Anand Pathak and B.P. Sharma, has emphasized the urgent need for enhanced preventive measures to combat the spread of Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) in Tiger Reserves across the state. The order, delivered on July 9, 2026, in the case of Subit Chakrabarti v. Union of India, underscored the importance of vigilant monitoring and vaccination drives to safeguard the state's tiger population.
The court noted the proactive steps taken by the state government, including the vaccination of approximately 2500 dogs, to prevent the transmission of CDV to tigers within the Kanha Tiger Reserve. The judgment highlighted the ongoing efforts by various departments to monitor tiger movements and ensure their well-being, thereby affirming that the tigers are currently in a safer state.
Furthermore, the court called upon the Central Government to ensure adequate funding for the maintenance of Tiger Reserves in Madhya Pradesh, which is recognized as a "Tiger State" due to its substantial tiger population. The judgment stressed that the funding should not be limited to the Kanha Tiger Reserve but should encompass all eight Tiger Reserves in the state.
In addition to wildlife conservation, the court appreciated the compliance with its earlier directive for the plantation of 25 saplings in the new campus of the M.P. State Judicial Academy. This gesture was recognized as a positive step towards environmental protection and the promotion of wildlife sustainability.
The court also referenced the Supreme Court's directions in the case of T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad v. Union of India, emphasizing the necessity for adequate staffing in national parks and Tiger Reserves to ensure effective wildlife conservation. The petitioner, represented by advocates Shri Anshuman Singh and Shri Prateek Rusia, highlighted the need for human resource development within Tiger Reserves to address ongoing conservation challenges.
The respondents, represented by Senior Counsel Shri Suneel Jain and others, have been granted four weeks to file a reply and outline further remedial measures as directed by the Supreme Court. The matter is scheduled for further orders in the week commencing August 17, 2026.
This judgment marks a pivotal step towards strengthening wildlife conservation measures in Madhya Pradesh, ensuring the protection and sustainability of its rich biodiversity.
Bottom line:-
Wildlife Conservation - Steps to prevent the spread of Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) in Tiger Reserves - Vaccination drive undertaken for dogs, monitoring tigers' safety and health, and allocation of adequate funds for Tiger Reserves emphasized.
Statutory provision(s): Wildlife Conservation, Environmental Protection, Judicial Direction
Subit Chakrabarti v. Union of India, (Madhya Pradesh)(Jabalpur)(DB) : Law Finder Doc id # 2938066
