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The Supreme Court on Wednesday froze the Assam government’s move to withdraw an almost 26-year-old notification constituting the Pobitora wildlife sanctuary, which hosts one of the largest rhino populations in the country.
The State government was not right in resolving to withdraw the notification dated March 17, 1998 notifying Pobitora wildlife sanctuary.
We direct that no further steps be taken with respect to the withdrawal of the notification dated March 17, 1998 by the State,” a Bench of Justices B.R. Gavai and Sandeep Mehta ordered.
The Assam Cabinet had on March 10 withdrawn the notification issued by the State Forest Department in 1998.
The Cabinet decision of March 10 said the notification was issued unilaterally by the Forest department without consulting the Revenue Department or even the Chief Minister.
Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary – Basic details
Location: Morigaon district, Assam, India
Area: 38.85 square kilometers (15 sq mi)
Established: 1987
Significance: Home to one of the largest populations of Indian one-horned rhinoceros in Assam
Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is situated on the southern bank of the Brahmaputra River and offers a vital habitat for various wildlife species.
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