Gujarat HC issues notices to forest dept, railway over lion deaths
As many as 238 Asiatic lions, including cubs, died in Gujarat in 2022 and 2023
Updated: Aug 10th, 2024
As today marks World Lion Day, the Asiatic lions claw for safety in their only abode–the forests of Gujarat.
During the hearing of a suo motu PIL, Gujarat High Court on Aug 9 issued show-cause notices to the state forest and railway authorities.
Despite previous orders from the high court to determine responsibility and take action, lion deaths continue to occur in the state. The causes remain being rammed by the train and falling into step wells.
The bench of Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal and Justice Pranav Trivedi severely criticised the authorities including the chief conservator of forest, for intentionally disregarding court orders.
A special committee of ten members has been formed to investigate the matter. The HC has sought a detailed explanation from the forest and railway departments about the recent lion deaths by Aug 30. The court has also appointed a court commissioner to submit a comprehensive report on the entire matter.
The high court had earlier expressed severe displeasure over the deaths of three lions in January and had ordered a high-level inquiry. Despite this, no concrete steps were taken by the railway authorities. Chief Justice Agarwal has strongly criticised the forest department officials and the railway authorities.
Recently, on August 6, a lioness died after reportedly falling into an open well in Botad, according to media reports.
In the question-answer session of the state assembly in February 2024, Minister of State for Forest and Environment Mukesh Patel revealed that as many as 238 Asiatic lions, including cubs, died in Gujarat in 2022 and 2023.
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