From rxpgnews.com
Court concerned at disappearance of tigers in Ranthambore
By IANS,
Jan 8, 2007 - 7:05:21 PM
Jaipur, Jan 8 - The Rajasthan High Court Monday directed the Project Tiger authority to provide reasons for the decline in numbers of tigers in the state's Ranthambhore National Park and details on the running of the reserve.
The court, while hearing a writ, also asked the director of Project Tiger, a statutory body under the central ministry of environment and forests, to furnish details of the past 10 years on the revenue earned from tourists at the tiger reserve.
It also sought details of the expenditure during this period on conservation of tigers and maintenance of the park.
The court asked the state government how much time it will need to run eco-friendly compressed natural gas - vehicles inside the park. It also wanted details of the manpower used for running the national park and the expenditure incurred. Besides, it asked for details on encroachments in the park.
On Dec 8, a single bench of the court had banned movement of vehicles for commercial purposes inside the park. But later, a division bench allowed plying of vehicles till Jan 15.
Two of the state's important wildlife destinations - Ranthambore and Sariska tiger reserve - have been in the news in the recent past on account of disappearance of tigers.
In May-June 2005, the tiger census in Ranthamore showed a decline in the number of tigers from 46 - in 2003-04 to 26.
However, 10 tiger cubs have been spotted during the last six months in the park.
The next hearing in the case is on Jan 22.
All rights reserved by www.rxpgnews.com