Jaipur: State govt has informed Rajasthan high court that steps would be taken to ensure the welfare of elephants at Hathi Gaon in Amber and a response would be filed to the affidavit submitted by the court-appointed amicus curiae. A division bench comprising Justice P S Bhati and Justice V K Mathur posted the matter for further hearing on April 6, while hearing a suo motu petition concerning the welfare and management of elephants. Amicus curiae advocate Shobit Tiwari submitted an affidavit highlighting several concerns regarding the health and living conditions of elephants in the elephant village. TOI got a copy of the affidavit Thursday, which brought to the fore the conditions of elephants and other related issues. The affidavit referred to a 2018 health audit conducted by the veterinary dept and the Animal Welfare Board of India, which flagged “serious medical conditions among elephants”, as well as issues relating to “ownership, malnutrition and possible trafficking”. The affidavit cited a Jan 8, 2008 report of the Union ministry of environment and forests, which laid down provisions concerning elephant ownership certificates, transportation, housing and care. Tiwari told the court that the state govt’s earlier response in the matter was limited to stating that regular medical check-ups of elephants were being conducted, while a detailed affidavit addressing the provisions mentioned in the 2008 report was required.
