Modi announces Rs 40 crore 'lion protection' project

Ahmedabad, Apr 7 (UNI) Taking serious note of the rise in poaching in the Gir Sanctuary, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi today announced a Rs 40 crore 'Lion Protection Project' to protect the lions from poachers.

Addressing a gathering after attending the 'Pranapratishta' ceremony of the newly-built 'Balaji Temple' on Sarkhej-Gandhinagar highway, the Chief Minister said the government has decided to meet the challenges posed by poachers while appointing three hundred more forest guards having adequate knowledge of forestry and topography.

He said hidden cameras and transmitters would be installed at various places inside the sanctuary to keep a watch on the movements of unauthorised persons and range Inspector Generals had been asked to check the forest areas on a regular basis.

Mr Modi also demanded that the Central Government should announce a special project to Gir Sanctuary on the lines of Tiger and Elephant projects in the country.

Eight persons have been detained on suspicion for their alleged involvement in the recent poaching incidents in Gir Sanctuary of Junagadh district where about six lions were killed in two different incidents last month.

Mr Modi yesterday visited Gir sanctuary and met forest department officials. He also visited Babariya range, the place where the carcasses of the lions were recovered.

UNI