Gujarat govt issues notice to senior forest official over objectionable remarks on lions

New Delhi: The Gujarat government on Thursday issued a notice to a senior forest official over his “irresponsible” and “undesirable” statements about the Asiatic lions and their conservation.

The notice was issued to Chief Wildlife Warden of the state Shyamal Tikadar, the government said in a statement.

A webinar was organized by the Central Zoo Authority on World Lion Day i.e 10th August, 2020.

Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) & Chief Wildlife Warden was one of the panelists. During this webinar he spoke about the conservation of Asiatic Lions in Gujarat and presented certain objectionable views and made undesirable comments on various issues. The Government of Gujarat does not agree with such personal views, which are far from truth & facts. The Government of Gujarat has decided to call his explanation and issue notice as per All India Service (Conduct) Rules for his irresponsible statements against the policies of the Government.

The fact is that Asiatic Lion (Panthera leo) is not only the pride of Gujarat but for the entire nation. Government of Gujarat is fully committed for the conservation of Asiatic Lions. Gir forests are the last abode of Asiatic Lions . The population of Lion has grown steadily over the years due to intensive management practices, support of the local communities and conservation efforts made by the state government.

Following significant steps have been taken by the Government for the conservation of Asiatic Lions:

 After formation of Gujarat State in 1960, the Gir Sanctuary was declared in 1965 under Gujarat Wild Animals and Wild Birds Protection Act, 1963, before the enactment of central Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
 After declaration of the Gir Sanctuary, 177 lions were counted during the first lion census conducted in 1968 in the year 2015, 523 lions were recorded. As per the Poonam Avalokan 2020, 674 lions have been recorded, which is29% increase over the last census held in 2015. About 36% increase in the area of their habitation has also been noticed in the last 5 years. This is one of the most successful conservation story of big cats in the world. IUCN has also improved the status of Asiatic Lion from the critically endangered to endangered, which speaks about the success of conservation efforts in Gujarat State.
 Government of Gujarat declared more Protected Areas as Paniya Wildlife Sanctuary (39.64 sq.km.), Mityala Wildlife Sanctuary (18.22 sq.km.) in 2004 and Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary (178.87 sq.km.) in 2008 as the new habitats of Asiatic Lions. Government has also identified Barda Wildlife Sanctuary (192.31 sq.km.) of Porbandar district as the second home of Asiatic Lions.
 Slowly, with the increase in population, thelions started moving out of Gir using the corridors. With the spread of its territory, the Government has focused on lion conservation in the entire Greater Gir Area.
 In view of spread of Lion territory to other districts, the Government of Gujarat created a new Forest Division namely Shetrunji Wildlife Division.
 The veterinary facilities have been strengthened and the rescue teamshave been deployed for timely rescue of lions. 160 trackers have also been deployed in9 districts for a 24×7 monitoring.
 The Government of Gujarat has constituted “Gujarat State Lion Conservation Society”in the year 2007 to further push the cause of long-term conservation of Asiatic Lion.
 The eco-development committees were strengthened to get the intensive support and involvement of local people in lion conservation.
 The Government has sanctioned Project Lion for doing intensive management in Greater Gir region.
 Modern technologies like electronic surveillance, monitoring through radio collaring, wireless network, night vision equipment, CCTV cameras, Electronic Gadgetsetc. have been introduced.
 Four dedicated Lion ambulances have been commissioned for quick response.
 Awareness programmes are being conducted for educating people on various aspects of lion conservation. During the celebration of World Lion Day, last year, record number of over 11 lakhpeople participated actively.
 The lion conservation and management is continuously reviewed and monitored at the highest levels in the Government.
 So far, more than 42,000 open wells around Gir Protected Area have been secured through the construction of parapet walls.
 To check any illegal activity in the area, a monitoring committee under the chairmanship of Inspector General of Police, Junagadh Range, having officers of concerned line departments as members, has been constituted.
 A separate wildlife crime cell has been created in the forest department to effectively deal with crime issues through exchange of information with all India agencies, wildlife experts and other State Governments.
 Rapid Action Force has been created for quick action in time of need.
 Government of Gujarat sanctionedProject Lion in the year 2018-19, for habitat improvement, protection, eco-development and veterinary care improvement etc.
 Vanya Prani Mitra scheme was introduced in 2007 to assist conservation of Asiatic Lion.

Due to various important steps and management interventions by the Government, the population of Asiatic Lions has recorded steady growth over the years and its territory has also considerably extended. The role of people, local communities, Non-Government Organizations, Wildlife and Nature Lovers has been laudable and their continuous support has strengthened the efforts of lion conservation in the state. The microchips etc. are used for the monitoring purpose, for the better management purpose.This, in no way changes the wild behavior of lions. The Asiatic lions are the pride not only for the people of Gujarat but of the entire nation. The successful Asiatic Lion conservation efforts in Gujarat State have been lauded at the international level. The people of Gujarat are fully committed to the cause of conservation of lions and watching lions is considered as ‘Sinh Darshan’.

Government of Gujarat and the people of the state take pride in preserving Asiatic lion, a magnificent species. The lions and humans have always co-existed peacefully and even with the growth of its population, the peaceful coexistence continues due to respect, love and passion of the people for wild life.