2003 INSC 0417 Navin M. Raheja v. U.O.I. & Others (Supreme Court Of India) HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE Y.K. SABHARWAL HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE H.K. SEMA Writ Petition (Civil) No. 47 Of 1998 With Slp(C) No. 1474 Of 1998 | 28-04- 2003 1. Various orders have been passed from time to time to protect the forest and wild life and in particular tigers in the present context. On 24th February, 2003 this Court directed that the question of non-release of funds by the States and the averment of diversification of those funds specifically allocated for Tiger Protection under the 'Project Tiger' shall be taken up for consideration by this Court. The matter has come up after more than two months. Requests made for adjournment on behalf of State of Bihar and U.P. are declined particularly keeping in view the fact that the summer has already set in and it is necessary to provide water to the animals and take steps to protect them from fire hazards. It is difficult to take steps without making available the requisite funds. We are informed that some of the States have already released the funds which was allocated to the States under the 'Project Tiger' and some States have not. For the year 2002-2003 ending 31st March, 2003, we direct such of the States who have not released those funds, which have been allocated under this particular project, to forthwith release those funds to the implementing agencies. Funds placed at the disposal of the States by the Central Government under the 'Project tiger' shall be released not later than three weeks from today and a compliance report be filed in the form of affidavits. The implementing agencies shall take requisite measures in particular with regard to water and fire protection. 2. For considering the other aspects list the application Nos.2,3,4 and 5 in the last week of July, 2003. 3. Regarding construction of roads, the suggestions made by the committee have been accepted by State of Uttranchal in principle. In so far as the State of U.P. is concerned, a prayer is made for grant of adjournment of four weeks to 1 SpotLaw file an affidavit. Last opportunity is granted to do the needful. List in last week of July, 2003 2 SpotLaw