NEW DELHI: The SC on Thursday voiced their concerns over the death of Cheetah’s in KNP and asked the Centre to rise above politics and consider shifting them to Rajasthan.
A Bench led by Justice B.R. Gavai noted that the deaths had occurred within two months of their transfer to the KNP. Experts involved in the process mentioned that the task force was investigating all possible aspects for shifting the felines to sanctuaries.
“Three deaths (of cheetahs) in less than two months is a matter of serious concern. There are opinions of experts and articles in media. It appears that Kuno is not sufficient for so many cheetahs. There is too much concentration of cheetahs at one place. Why don’t you look for suitable place in Rajasthan? Merely because Rajasthan is ruled by opposition party does not mean, you will not consider it,” the bench said. Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, appearing for the Centre said the task force is seized of the deaths and is investigating all possible aspects including shifting them to other sanctuaries.
The Bench questioned how the ailing feline was brought to India. “You are bringing the cheetahs from abroad, it’s a good thing. But they need to be protected. They need to be given suitable habitat. Why don’t you explore for more psuitable habitat than Kuno?” the court asked.
Three Cheetah’s died in the recent days. A female Cheetah named Sasha (from Namibia) died due to kidney ailment on March 27th, on April 23, Uday (S Africa) died due to cardio-pulmonary failure and lastly Daksha, died following a violent interaction with a male during a mating attempt.