Ahmedabad: The Gujarat High Court criticized the Forest Department and Railways on Tuesday for failing to take proactive measures, without court intervention, in the matter related to the deaths of Asiatic lions on railway tracks.

The authorities informed the court about a new standard operating procedure (SOP) aimed at reducing train speed to 30 mph in forest areas, ceasing train movements during night hours, and maintaining a speed of 40 kmph for trains on the broad gauge section between Pipavav-Surendranagar and Mahuva-Rajula line, located 112km away from the Gir sanctuary. However, the judges appeared unimpressed by these measures and questioned the Forest Department for not initiating any inquiry into the lion deaths from two accidents in January.

The bench of Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal and Justice Anirudhaa Mayee also reprimanded the government for not producing the inquiry report despite a court order. Stating that the government only works after court interference as if they need some sword hanging over their head to work, the bench emphasized, “We are not ‘darogajis’ (police inspectors). Please don’t make us a ‘daroga’ for this. This is not done, not acceptable at all,” while underscoring that the protection of animals from outside elements is the duty of the forest department.

The court has directed the chief conservator of forests (wildlife) and the divisional railway manager of Bhavnagar to submit affidavits by April 23 explaining why no action was taken prior to court intervention, meanwhile ordering the immediate implementation of the new SOP. DeshGujarat