Gujarat High Court Questions Delay in Action After Lion Deaths on Tracks

The Gujarat High Court on Tuesday voiced its concern over the procrastination of the Railways and the state forest department in implementing preventive measures following the tragic deaths of two lions, which were struck by trains within the state's boundaries. The incident, which took place in the Gir forest in January, has sparked a significant legal and environmental discourse, emphasizing the critical need for wildlife protection as part of ensuring a clean environment, a right upheld by the Supreme Court.

Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal, presiding over the case, criticized the delayed response from both authorities in addressing the hazards that led to these fatalities. The court is currently overseeing a suo motu Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning the deaths of Asiatic lions due to unnatural causes. It's noteworthy that Gujarat serves as the sole habitat for Asiatic lions globally.

In response to the court's concerns, the Indian Railways presented a revised standard operation procedure (SOP) tailored for train operations within the Gir forest vicinity. Concurrently, the forest department outlined its initiatives aimed at mitigating such incidents, claiming these efforts have averted over a thousand potential deaths.

However, the court highlighted a lack of detailed action or investigation from the Deputy Conservator of Forest regarding the railway accidents that resulted in the deaths of two lions. The court's frustration was palpable as it lamented the necessity of judicial intervention to prompt action from these authorities.

The Railways' legal representative shared measures taken post-incident, including reducing train speeds to 30 kmph during daylight within the forest area and halting night-time train movement altogether. Additionally, for tracks situated 112 km from the forest, speed limits have been adjusted from 90 kmph to 40-50 kmph. These changes were enacted following a meeting on April 3, indicating a reactive approach instigated by High Court directives rather than proactive wildlife conservation efforts.

The court also expressed dissatisfaction with the forest department's failure to investigate the causes behind the January railway accidents. As a result, it has ordered affidavits from both the Chief Conservator of Forests, Wildlife Division, Junagadh, and DRM, Western Railway, Bhavnagar Division, focusing on this issue. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on April 23.

Additionally, there's an ongoing inquiry into how converting a section of railway tracks from meter gauge to broad gauge within the lion corridor might affect these endangered animals. This decision underscores the complex balance between development and conservation efforts necessary to protect India's unique wildlife heritage.