Madras HC suggests shifting of mobile wildlife forensic lab to Coimbatore

The Madras High Court suggested shifting the Mobile Wildlife Forensic-cum-Diagnostic Laboratory from Tiruchy to Coimbatore to improve diagnostic services for wild animals across major tiger reserves in Tamil Nadu. A Division Bench comprising Justices N Sathish Kumar and G K Muthukumar made the recommendation while hearing a petition by S Muralidharan regarding forest areas in the western region. The court held that the facility should serve the Anamalai Tiger Reserve, Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve, and Mudumalai Tiger Reserve. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Rakesh Kumar Dogra stated that the Tamil Nadu Forest Department proposed a second mobile laboratory for southern regions during the 2026-27 financial year at an estimated cost of 1 crore rupees. The bench observed that “stationing the mobile laboratory without appointing qualified personnel to operate it would serve no purpose” and directed the state to hire experts. The laboratory uses haematology and serum biochemistry analysers to detect metabolic imbalances and diseases in wildlife. The court directed the Tamil Nadu Forest Department to issue orders and file a status report by November 27.