Gujarat HC: Understand responsibilities and Protect Asiatic Lions

Sep 22, 2021 #CENTRE #Gujarat HC #Railways
Gujarat High Court in day light, with a small camera in the left bottom corner.

Alka Verma-

Published On: September 22, 2021 at 13:46 IST

The Gujarat High Court stated that the Asiatic Lions are not are not only the pride of Gujarat, but they are the pride of entire Asia and steps to protect them is expected from the Government.

The Court also requested the operating authorities of Gir Sanctuary under their responsibilities and be careful regarding the protection of lions.

The Court Bench comprising Justice N. V. Anjaria and Justice A. P. Thaker made such observation while it was hearing Suo moto proceedings regarding the protection of lions in and around the Gir Sanctuary in Gujarat.

The matter came in light when a 2018 news report stated that around 184 lions died in last two years.

The Court was hearing a Civil Application that had two requests stated in front of the Court and were filed by Amicus Curiae of the matter.

The first Pleading was to stop the Allotment of Sanctuary’s Land for various projects like Gas Pipelines, etc. and the second Pleading was to not divert around 150 hectares of Land for upgrading of tracks to Railways.

Replying to the Application, the State Government stated that the upgradation of Railway Tracks is in the domain of Indian Railways and they haven’t agreed to it yet.

The Bench asked the Railways to keep their stand clearly regarding the project and its effect on wildlife involving the details of accidents because of trains involving lions and asked what measures can be done to protect them.

At last, the Court just requested the authorities working in and around of the Sanctuary to use all the effective measures useful in protection of wild cats.

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