3-member fact-finding Central team visits Gir

Junagadh, Gujarat, Apr 16 (UNI) A three-member fact-finding Central team today visited Gir Lion Sanctuary to get first-hand information on lion poaching at the Sanctuary, the only abode for Asiatic lions in Asia.

The three members Pramod Krishnan Director of Wildlife, Central Environment Department (CED), Meeta Banerjee Director (West Zone) CED and Santosh Tiwari, Director (North zone) CED, -- made a survey of all the places from where cases of lion poachings have been reported.

However, the CED Chairman Rajesh Gopalan could not arrive owing to personal reasons.

The team, which arrived here late last evening, surveyed the surrounding areas with assistance of forest and police officials.

The Central team had interactions with local residents and officers of the CID, which has been entrusted the task of probing into the deaths of 16 lions, including the six allegedly killed by poachers, during the first three months of 2007.

The Team will submit its report on findings as well as suggestions to the Union Government. The team is likely to stay in Gir Sanctuary for two more days.

UNI