Rajasthan High Court Expresses Concern Over Sharp Decline In Camel Population, Summons Animal Husbandry Director
Expressing concern over the sharp decline in Rajasthan's camel population—from nearly 15 lakh to 1.5 lakh—the Rajasthan High Court has ordered the Director of the Animal Husbandry Department to personally appear before it and explain the measures being taken for the protection, breeding and healthcare of the State animal.The division bench of Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma...
Expressing concern over the sharp decline in Rajasthan's camel population—from nearly 15 lakh to 1.5 lakh—the Rajasthan High Court has ordered the Director of the Animal Husbandry Department to personally appear before it and explain the measures being taken for the protection, breeding and healthcare of the State animal.
The division bench of Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma and Justice Maneesh Sharma at the Rajasthan High Court observed that the State had failed to provide adequate support for camel rearing and preservation, despite the growing responsibility arising from traditional camel-rearing communities gradually shifting to other occupations.
The observations came in a suo motu petition after Amicus Curiae Prateek Kasliwal highlighted the alarming fall in the camel population in Rajasthan from 15 lakh to 1.5 lakh.
It was submitted that, notwithstanding the camel's status as the State animal, the Animal Husbandry Department had neglected to provide proper assistance for camel rearing and protection.
The Amicus Curiae further pointed out that communities traditionally engaged in camel rearing were abandoning the occupation, while the State had failed to establish adequate infrastructure, including camel sheds and specialised veterinary facilities.
Taking note of the submission, the Court observed:
"It is also pointed out that the earlier Tribal Communities who were engaged in rearing camels are now shifting to other fields and resultantly, it is more responsibility of the State to see that the population of the State animal does not decline, however, there are no proper camel sheds provided nor there are dedicated Doctors or Department of the Animal Husbandry with regard to training relating to camels."
On behalf of the State, it was submitted that the Rajasthan Camel (Prohibition of Slaughter and Regulation of Temporary Migration or Export) Amendment Bill, 2021, had been proposed, but the amendments had not yet been brought into force.
Dissatisfied with the State's response, the Court directed the Director of the Animal Husbandry Department to remain personally present on the next date of hearing and place on record, by way of an affidavit, the measures being undertaken to protect, rear and breed camels in Rajasthan and to ensure their proper health.
The matter has been listed for further hearing on August 5, 2026.
Title: Suo Motu v State of Rajasthan