New Delhi, 20 July 2014

Concerned about the reports of accidental deaths of lions and cubs on the railway track in Gir forest area, Rajya Sabha MP Shri Parimal Nathwani raised the issue in Rajya Sabha and sought details on deaths of lions and government’s action in response.

Minister of state for Railway Manoj Sinha in his reply told Nathwani that in year 2012 only one lion was dead on railway-line passing through the Gir forest, however in 2011 and 2013 no lion was dead due to railway line. In present year, four lions/cubs are dead by June 2014 on railway line outside the Gir sanctuary area.

Shri Sinha further added that a meter gauge line passes through the Gir forest area between Visavdar junction and Talala junction, but no lion or cub has been dead on this line.

The Minister further informed that limiting the speed of train by 30 km/hour, careful driving in forest area, no railway traffic during night hours etc are some of the steps taken to protect the valuable wild animals.

The Minister added that actions such as consultation by railway with forest department, exchange of details of lions and their route with loco-pilots, careful driving, and putting sign boards as per the advise of the forest department are taken to prevent the deaths of lions and cubs on broad gauge line.