Unnatural deaths of 13 lions in last one year

Gandhinagar, 4 July, 2014

13 lions were dead due to unnatural reasons during last one year in Gujarat.

This information was shared by Gujarat government in reply to Congress MLA Jasu Barad’s question on fourth day of budget session of assembly.

State Environment and Forest minister Ganpat Vasava said that a total of 13 Asiatic lions died within last one year in Junagadh(3), Amreli(9) and Gir-Somnath(1) districts.

4 lions in Amreli district died after hit by trains, 2 died after they fell in an open well and 3 died in road accidents. In Junagadh, 1 lion died after falling in an open well and 2 died of electric shock. 1 lion in Gir-Somnath district died of electrocution.

The Gujarat Government has in its anual budget announced special allocation for construction of fence and underpasses on both sides of railway track in Amreli district to prevent further deaths. Training for railway engine drivers and signboards on such railway routes are other measures.

As per the 2011 census, there are total 411 lions in the Gir forest, said Vasava while answering another question. Around 114 lions are also found in surrounding areas of Gir forest due to increase in their population, said Vasava in his written answer.
Vasava said 114 lions are found in Girnar, Matiyala and Paniya sanctuaries. Lions are also found in several parts of Gir-Somnath, Bhavnagar and Amreli districts, such as Una, Kodinar, Sutrapada, Savarkundla, Liliya and sea shore near Chhara.