Lion translocation issue heats up as MP CM visits Gir tomorrow

Junagadh, June 25 (UNI) The controversy over translocation of Asiatic lions from Gir to Kuno-Palpur sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh rose afresh, with state Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan's arrival here today.

Mr Chauhan will visit Gir sanctuary tomorrow to study the condition of the endangered lions. The Gir Nature Youth Club, which has been opposing the translocation process, will give a presentation to the Chief Minister and try to convince him about the fallout of such an action.

''Asiatic lions are safe here. The state government is already working on a project to accommodate the increasing population of lions in and around Gir,'' Club president Amit Jethwa told UNI.

A Rs 640 crore Centre-sponsored project had been proposed in 1996 to shift the lions over two decades to the 344 sq km sanctuary, in MP's Sheopur district. But the Gujarat government, which claims the lions, as its pride, has opposed the move.

Two representatives of the state on the National Board for Wildlife (NBW), chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, had protested when the contentious issue was taken up in the board's June 19 meeting.

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