Guj govt seeks tribals help in curbing poaching, announces awards

Gandhinagar, Sep 1 (UNI) In a bid to encourage local tribals to prevent poaching of Asiatic Lions in Gir Sanctuary, Gujarat Government today announced compensation of Rs three lakh to the family members of tribals or informers who die in confrontation with poachers.

Besides this, the Government also announced an award of Rs two lakh to any person who helps or provides information to the authorities in nabbing a poacher or poaching gang involved in killings of Asiatic Lion.

These compensation schemes have been announced as a part of Gujarat Government's plan to provide wider protection umbrella to wildlife animals, particularly Asiatic Lions in Gir Sanctuary, an official release said here.

In the recent past, there has been a rise in poaching of lions in Gir Forest, with over 30 lions having been killed in March 2007 alone.

The release said, the new compensation schemes will encourage the tribals as well as Forest officials to remain on alert against the killings of lions, other wild animals and birds in the Sanctuary.

In case of injuries in confrontation with the poachers, the victims will be given compensation of upto Rs one lakh depending upon the seriousness of the injuries, the release said.

Beside these compensations, a special cash award will also be given to victims from Chief Minister Relief Fund as deemed fit by the authorities, the release added.

According to last census conducted in year-2005, Gir Sanctuary, spread over 1400 square kilometers, houses 359 lions and 250 leopards, besides several thousand other wild animals and birds.

UNI