Madhya Pradesh High Court directed the state government to submit a comprehensive status report on all nine tiger reserves following a series of recent tiger deaths and seeking urgent measures to contain a suspected outbreak of Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) among big cats at Kanha. A division bench comprising Justices Anand Pathak and B P Sharma issued the directions on Thursday during the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed in connection with the deaths of big cats.
The state government informed the court that around 2,000 dogs in areas surrounding the reserve have already been vaccinated against CDV. However, the bench stressed the need for a foolproof and long-term prevention strategy to safeguard wildlife.
The court also instructed authorities to strictly comply with directives issued regarding the management and protection of tiger reserves. It has sought a detailed report on measures being taken to prevent infections across all reserves, not just Kanha. Additionally, the bench directed the government to fill vacant posts of wildlife veterinarians in all nine tiger reserves at the earliest and implement effective dog birth control programmes to reduce the risk of disease transmission.
The matter has been scheduled for further hearing on August 17.
The PIL, filed by Mumbai-based lawyer Subrat Chakraborty and argued by advocates Anshuman Singh and Prateek Rusia, highlighted that eight tigers died during April and May. The fatalities included tigresses T-122 (Sunaina) and T-141 (Amahi), the latter’s four sub-adult cubs, and a young tiger, T-220 (Mahavir). The petition raised concerns over a possible CDV outbreak and called for enhanced scientific surveillance, improved biosecurity, and stronger veterinary infrastructure.
Wildlife activist Ajay Dubey described the situation as alarming, noting that 40 tigers have died in the state since January. In comparison, 55 tiger deaths were recorded across Madhya Pradesh last year.
MP, which had the highest tiger population in the country with 785 individuals as per the 2022 census, is now facing growing concerns over the health and safety of its big cat population.
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