Gujarat High Court to Railways: Stop Train Accidents Involving Asiatic Lions

In a significant move towards wildlife conservation, the Gujarat High Court has mandated the railway authority and the forest department to develop a standard operating procedure aimed at preventing Asiatic lions from being run over by trains. This directive comes in light of recent incidents where the majestic creatures have fallen victim to railway accidents in Gujarat, sparking widespread concern.

Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal expressed her dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs, highlighting the unacceptable frequency of such tragic incidents. "We are not going to tolerate that you are killing them every day," she remarked during a session, addressing the lawyer representing the Indian Railway. The court has taken suo motu cognisance of these deaths, emphasizing the need for immediate and effective measures to safeguard these lions, which are considered a national pride.

Concerns Over Railway Developments

The court's scrutiny revealed that Rail Vikas Nigam Limited, a subsidiary of Indian Railway, has been actively pursuing the conversion of meter gauge lines into broad gauge lines around the Gir Sanctuary, home to the Asiatic lion. Despite objections from the forest department and requirements for approval from the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL), these projects have moved forward without clear justification from the railways on their necessity.

Proposed Solutions and Measures

The High Court's order outlined several recommendations to mitigate risks to lions from railway operations. Among these is the suggestion to restrict goods train movements from sunset to sunrise, acknowledging that lions are nocturnal and more likely to cross tracks during these hours. Additionally, it was noted that sudden bright lights from trains can disorient lions due to their powerful eyesight, leading to fatal accidents.

Another significant concern is the state of fencing along railway tracks. Reports indicate that existing barriers are often damaged or removed, allowing lions easy access to dangerous areas. The court has urged both the railways and state government to collaborate on reinstalling and possibly extending fencing or barricades along and around railway tracks within and near sanctuary areas, suggesting a coverage area of up to 100 km to significantly reduce future accidents.

This directive from the Gujarat High Court marks a crucial step towards ensuring the safety and conservation of Asiatic lions in their natural habitat. By calling for coordinated action between railway authorities and wildlife departments, there is a hopeful outlook towards reducing human-induced threats to these magnificent animals.