World's First Black Tiger Safari Approved in Odisha

The plan for a melanistic (black) tiger safari in Mayurbhanj district, Odisha has received final approval. The Supreme Court of India cleared the project this week, removing the last legal obstacle that had delayed the initiative for months. The safari is proposed at Manchabandha, approximately 10 km from Baripada.

Approvals and Legal Clearance

The project had already received clearance from the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) and the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), but could not proceed due to a pending Supreme Court petition. With the court's decision, officials confirmed that the Odisha safari can now move forward.

Safari Details and Area

The safari will be developed over 200 hectares, with 100 hectares dedicated to tiger habitats and the remaining 100 hectares for auxiliary facilities, including a rescue center, veterinary unit, staff infrastructure, and parking. An NTCA and state wildlife joint survey team selected the site after a field inspection.

Impact and Significance

Officials believe this initiative will position Odisha as a leader in wildlife tourism and strengthen a comprehensive wildlife rescue system for Eastern India.

Related Legal Update: PMLA Searches

The Delhi High Court recently ruled in a money laundering case that searches under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) can be conducted even if a person is not named in the prosecution complaint. The court stated that searches can target premises of individuals suspected of involvement in money laundering, even if they are not directly involved in the underlying offense. The bench comprising Justice Vivek Chaudhary and Justice Manoj Jain upheld the Enforcement Directorate’s authority to conduct such searches.