The Allahabad High Court has disposed of a Public Interest Litigation that sought directions to take effective and appropriate measures to minimise the losses of crops of farmers on account of movement of wild boar and blue bull.
The Division Bench of Justice Manoj Misra and Justice Vikas Budhwar passed this order while hearing a PIL filed by Paras Prasad.
Through the public interest litigation a prayer has been made to command the first respondent to take effective and appropriate measures to minimize the losses of crops of farmers on account of movement of wild boar and blue bull.
On 05.12.2022, after considering the submissions of the counsel for the petitioner, the Court had required A.K Goyal to seek instructions whether wild boar and blue bull are protected animals; and whether any measures have been taken to control their movements so as to protect crops of farmers.
Pursuant to the Court order dated 05.12.2022, written instructions have been obtained by A.K Goyal from the Divisional Director, Social Forestry, Deoria which have also been signed by Deputy Director, Agriculture, Deoria.
As per the instructions, wild boar and blue bull are declared protected animals, vide Entry Nos 14 and 19 in Schedule-3 of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
“It is also stated that a Committee headed by the District Magistrate has been constituted to monitor the movement and to assess the loss from wild boar and blue bull. It is stated that meetings of the Committee take place at regular intervals i.e every three months where the situation is constantly reviewed.
As we notice that directions are sought in respect of movement and control of protected animals whereas the Government is seized of the matter and is taking steps to minimize the losses, we do not propose to monitor the matter at this stage. It is expected that the State shall be conscious of its responsibility and act accordingly”, the Court noted while disposing the petition.