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Directs State Action to Protect Camel Population Amidst "Shocking" Decline
The has taken firm note of the alarming decline in the state's camel population—the official State Animal—ordering the Director of the to appear personally before the to explain the state’s preservation strategy.
A Legacy in Peril
The , initiated by the court, highlights a harrowing statistical reality: the population of camels in Rajasthan has plummeted from approximately 15 lakh to a mere 1.5 lakh. The court observed that the traditional tribal communities, who historically served as the primary custodians of the species, are increasingly abandoning camel rearing, a shift that leaves the burden of conservation squarely on the state.
The Court’s Scrutiny
During the proceedings, the , comprising Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma and Justice Maneesh Sharma, expressed deep dissatisfaction with the state’s current efforts. The court noted that there is a distinct lack of structural support for camel preservation, including a shortage of proper animal sheds and a lack of specialized training for veterinary professionals tasked with their care.
While the State government pointed to the , the court remained unimpressed, stating that the spirit of existing legislation has not effectively translated into tangible protective measures.
Key Observations
The gravity of the situation was underscored by the court’s sharp critique of the current administrative vacuum regarding the protection of the State Animal:
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"There is a shocking decline of population of camels in Rajasthan from 15 lakhs to only 1.5 lakhs, no cogent reasons are coming forward for such decline."
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"It is more responsibility of the State to see that the population of the State animal does not decline, however, there are no proper camel sheds provided nor there are dedicated Doctors or Department of the Animal Husbandry with regard to training relating to camels."
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"We are not satisfied with the submissions on the part of the State."
Mandating Accountability
The has directed the Director of the to remain present at the next hearing slated for . The official is expected to file a comprehensive detailing the concrete steps the department is taking to ensure the health, breeding, and protection of camels in the region.
This intervention serves as a reminder to state authorities that official status bestowed upon a species requires a commensurate commitment to its survival. The outcome of the next hearing is expected to set the stage for how the state intends to bridge the gap between policy and practice in the conservation of its cultural and ecological heritage.
