Gujarat HC raps railway dept over lion deaths in Gir forest

Updated: Mar 27th, 2024

Gir Lions death in Gujarat

In a hearing of a suo moto public interest litigation (PIL) on Mar 26, filed in the Gujarat High Court over the deaths of lions in the Gir Forest and Wildlife Sanctuary, Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal and Justice Aniruddha P Mayee came down heavily on the railway authorities and the state government officials, urging stringent implementation of a ‘zero accident policy’ for lion deaths.

The court gave a clear warning to the railway authorities in unequivocal terms, stating, “Many lions have died before due to human negligence. We are not going to tolerate that you are killing them every day. You are aware that it takes considerable time for another lion to develop when one is lost. Just in January, two lions died in accidents, which is a matter of grave concern. The railway and forest departments must act in coordination and be in sync as to how to save the lions, which are the pride of the country.”

The court further emphasised, “The railway authorities’ attempts to shirk responsibility by not implementing the ‘zero accident policy’ for lion deaths are unacceptable. A plan must be submitted for the effective implementation of this policy. The railway cannot deflect responsibility onto the forest department or any other agency. If necessary, the railway authorities must collaborate with the forest department to devise appropriate arrangements, but lion deaths in this manner cannot be ignored.”

The court stated firmly that the railway’s negligence in this matter would result in an order to change all goods train tracks passing through the Gir forest without exemption.

The HC also remarked, “Lions will decide where they should stay and what to do... After all, the lion is the king of the jungle.”

High Court reprimands railway dept

The HC also expressed its serious dissatisfaction over the railway authorities not submitting any investigation reports. This affidavit was rejected by the court, and they were directed to file a detailed affidavit along with an investigation report and detailed information.

It remarked, “In these recent incidents, the railway has not done anything. The driver tried to save themselves, but when applying brakes, it was not possible to save the lions. The speed of the train in Gir is set to 45 kmph.”

The court also posed a question: “If reducing the speed of the train could prevent accidents, then why are accidents still happening...? What is the reason...?”

In response, the railway authorities informed, “When the railway does not receive information from the forest department about the movement of lions... Accidents occur when lions suddenly appear on the railway tracks.”

Although the railway claimed such protective measures, the High Court rebuffed their claims.

Further hearings in this case were adjourned until April.

Broad Gauge project extended despite accidents?

During the hearing, the court’s assistant, Hemang Shah, stated, “The natural gas pipeline project penetrating through the Gir forest has been halted. Even the 370.6-acre Broad Gauge railway project, which was encroaching upon the forest land, has been cancelled.”

He added, “However, fencing, wire, and barriers are still being installed in the vicinity. Permissions from the State and National Wildlife Boards are mandatory before commencing such works. The railway board has not received any such clearances.”

“This fencing conversion ranges from Junagadh to Visavadar, Visavadar to Khijadiya, and Visavadar to Talala. The lion habitat has now expanded, and they have even reached Amreli. The Broad Gauge railway line is a highly accident-prone stretch for the lions,” he presented in court.

Also read:

29 lions lost to unnatural deaths in Gujarat in last two years

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