B.B.MANGALMURTI,J. - (1.) We have taken note of in detail in our order dated 30.10.2017, several steps that have been taken by the Respondent authorities of the State i.e. Ministry of Forest, Environment and Climate Change, Government of Jharkhand towards protection of wildlife and tiger in the Palamau Tiger Reserve pursuant to our order dated 28.02.2017. However, as also observed earlier on the said date, the efforts undertaken by the Respondents are definitely continuous in nature and is a work in progress.
(2.) Respondents have filed further progress report in the matter on 12.12.2017. The matter was thereafter adjourned for today. A supplementary counter affidavit has been filed on behalf of the Respondent No. 3 to 5 yesterday in an effort to bring on record further details in relation to the management intervention for improvement of Palamau Tiger Reserve, referred to as Protection Plan, Water Management Plan, Grassland Management Plan and Eco-development Plan, etc.
(3.) We would advert to the latest affidavit later on. Before that, we need to make a mention of the aspects touched upon in the affidavit dated 12.12.2017. In continuation of the previous affidavit dated 20.09.2017, Respondents have indicated the steps towards construction of 100 multipurpose towers during the current financial year; Increase in hand held GPS foot patrolling up to 20121 km. Transfer of an amount of Rs. 44,44,600/- by the PTR authority to the Director, Wildlife Institute, Dehradun have also been made to conduct a feasibility study of tiger and prey supplementation in PTR. Maintenance work of 287 hectare of Grassland was completed against the target of 362 hectare for the current financial year, in regard to the Habitat Management. Whereas, against the planned creation / rehabilitation of 385 hectare Grassland, the achievement is 205 hectare till the end of November. In pursuit of the efforts for village relocation, authorities have met with success in respect of inhabitants of Kujrum village and were taking steps to motivate other villagers to relocate outside the Core Area of Palamau Tiger Reserve. Certain statutory requirement under the Forest Conservation Act , 1980 from the Central Government and Forest Rights Act, 2006 from the concerned Deputy Commissioner were to be obtained. Forest authorities are in consultation with the Deputy Commissioner, Palamau in respect of relocation and compensation of the residents of Polpol village. One important aspects taken note of in our order dated 30.10.2017 relating to comparative study of different Tiger Reserves in the country have also been adverted to in para-13 and 14 of the said affidavit. We find therefrom that a Management Effective Evaluation (MEE) is undertaken for all Tiger Reserves every four years by the Wildlife Institute of India with financial assistance from the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCE) and Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MOEF&CC) which evaluates the performance of Tiger Reserves under a global framework. Tiger Reserves in the country are grouped into five clusters based on the landscape and PTR falls under cluster III along with Achanakmar, Indravati, Kawal, Nagarjunsagar Srisailm, Satkosia, Simlipal, Udanti-Sitanadi and Valmiki Tiger Reserves. MEEs were undertaken in 2006, 2010 and 2014 and MEE process of the year 2018 has been initiated. Field visit to PTR has been undertaken by the Evaluation Team during 2-5 November 2017. MEE 2014 highlighted several management weaknesses which are enumerated at para-14 inter- alia, i. Adjoining Mahuaduar Wolf Sanctuary, not included as a buffer to Palamau Tiger Reserve ii. Critical shortage of staff members iii. Available field staff not trained in wildlife management of conservation, also unwilling and at time incompetent staff members posted in PTR iv. Aptitude for wildlife conservation missing; orientation of staff towards wildlife very weak. v. The posts are on annual retention basis and extensions are granted after the end of the financial year including that of the Field Director. vi. No plans / scheme for village relocation. The inhabitants of the local villages could be persuaded to be relocated outside the T.R. after consultation with the State Government. There are eight villages inside the core area / critical habitat. vii. Inadequate veterinary capability viii. Signs of biotic interference such as illegal felling of trees, overgrazing and infestation with weeds are visible. ix. Weeds such as Parthenium and Lantana camara are hindering the regeneration of native species. ;