Committee to probe death of lions in Gir

New Delhi, Apr 30 (UNI) Minister of Forest and Environment A Raja today informed the Lok Sabha that a committee has been constituted to look into the causes that led to the death of nine lions in the Gir Sanctuary, and suggest measures to check poaching in the forest area.

He was replying during question hour regarding carcasses of nine lions being found in Gir Sanctuary area during March. The Gujarat government had informed that three died of natural causes while six were killed by poachers.

Mr Raja said following this report, the Ministry had constituted a committee on April 3 comprising Regional Deputy Director (northern Region), Regional Deputy Director (Western Region) and Joint Director, Wildlife, to look into the causes of their death as well as review the protection strategies and various constraints. The committee would also suggest steps to check recurrence of such incidents in the future.

The committee would submit the report within a month.

He said the state government has been requested to strengthen the field formations and intensify patrolling in and around Gir protected area.

Four Wildlife Regional Offices located at Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai have been alerted against smuggling of lion organs.

Legal protection has been provided to wild animals, including lions, against hunting and commercial exploitation under the provisions in the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

Sensitisation courses have been organised for the officers from Para-Military forces, customs and revenue intelligence by Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun.

Besides, financial and technical assistance had been extended to the state government under centrally-sponsored scheme for development of national parks and sanctuaries for enhancing the capacity and infrastructure of the state for providing effective protection to wild animals including lions.

The lion has been included in Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 thereby affording maximum protection to the species. The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 has been amended and made more stringent. The punishments in cases of offences have also been enhanced. The Act also provides for forfeiture of any equipment, vehicle or weapon used for committing wildlife offence.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has been empowered under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 to apprehend and prosecute offenders, Mr Raja added.

UNI