Supreme Court Slams Officials in Illegal Construction Case at Corbett Tiger Reserve

 

The Supreme Court of India has heavily criticized former Uttarakhand Forest Minister Harak Singh Rawat and ex-divisional forest officer Kishan Chand for their involvement in illegal construction and tree felling within the Corbett Tiger Reserve.

The court, led by Justice B.R. Gavai, accused the officials of blatant disregard for the law and public trust, stating they "have thrown the public trust doctrine in the waste bin."

Key Points:

• Accusations: The court accused Rawat and Chand of indulging in "mass felling of trees" and illegal construction activities "under the pretext of promotion of tourism."
• Further Investigation: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), already probing the case, was directed to submit a status report within three months.
• Tiger Safari Review: A separate committee was formed to assess the possibility of permitting tiger safaris in buffer or fringe areas of national parks across the country.
• Previous Action: The Enforcement Directorate had earlier conducted raids on the residences of Rawat and Chand in connection with the illegal activities.

This case highlights the ongoing concerns about illegal activities and environmental degradation in protected areas. The Supreme Court's ruling aims to hold individuals accountable for such actions and potentially pave the way for stricter regulations regarding development within national parks and surrounding areas.