Visit ‘Chhota Matka’ at treatment centre: HC to amicus curiae

‘Chhota Matka’ was injured in territorial fight with ‘Rudra’. The tiger was brought to the Gorewada Rescue Centre in Nagpur due to lack of treatment facilities at TATR.

Staff Reporter :

The High Court suggests a permanent treatment facility in Tadoba

The injured tiger ‘Chhota Matka’ from Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve is currently receiving treatment at the Gorewada Rescue Centre in Nagpur. The tiger had been seriously injured in a territorial fight with another tiger ‘Rudra’. On Wednesday, the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court instructed its amicus curiae to visit the treatment centre and monitor the tiger’s recovery. The court suggested that a permanent treatment facility should be established inside Tadoba itself for faster treatment of injured animals.

The hearing took place before Justice Anil Kilor and Justice Rajnish Vyas. The case was taken up after a video of ‘Chhota Matka’ struggling to walk went viral on social media and raised serious concerns about his condition. Despite court directions, the Forest Department had been slow to act. Reports showed that the tiger had not received timely treatment even though his health was deteriorating every day. This delay drew strong criticism from the court. The judges observed that while it is natural for tigers to fight and sustain injuries, in some situations the Forest Department should set aside rigid rules and act immediately to save the animal.

The court expressed displeasure that the department failed to respond quickly, which could have endangered the tiger’s life. Following the court’s strict remarks, the Forest Department moved into action. ‘Chhota Matka’ underwent surgery two days ago at Chandrapur and is now under medical care at Gorewada Rescue Centre in Nagpur. His condition is being closely monitored by veterinary experts. During the hearing, the court said, it was important for the amicus curiae to personally visit the treatment centre to assess the tiger’s current health condition. In addition, the judges stressed the need for a treatment centre inside TATR so that injured tigers and other wild animals can be treated promptly without having to be shifted far away. Adv Yashovardhan Sambre appeared as amicus curiae in the case and supported the demand for better facilities for wildlife care. The next hearing will review Chhota Matka’s progress and the steps taken by the Forest Department to improve treatment arrangements for injured animals in Tadoba.