(IN) 6 lions poached in a year, admits Govt

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06-03-2008

 

6 lions poached in a year, admits Govt

 

Says No Accidental Deaths Occurred, Silent On Open Well Casualties

 

Times of India Ahmedabad Edition

 

http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Daily/skins/TOI/navigator.asp?Daily=TOIA & login=de\

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Gandhinagar: The state government has admitted that six lions were poached

in the last one year in Gir forest. However, the Government has stated that

not a single incident of accidental death occurred and is silent on deaths

by falling into open wells.

 

The government in reply to the question asked by Jasdan Congress MLA

Kuvarjibhai Bavaliya stated that the government had set up a scheme for the

conservation of lions and that the Gujarat State Lion Conservation Society

had also been formed.

 

It said the forest department has given motorcycles to the staff for

patrolling along the borders of the forest. The department has also

announced reward for people who give information about poachers. A vigil has

also been increased on railway stations and bus stations and meetings were

also held with local people. The government has also began construction of

parapet walls around open wells, it said.

 

Further the government has also decided to work in co-ordination with the

police department for effective monitoring.

 

However, in reply to the question on how many deaths have been reported due

to accidents, the government replied that no deaths were reported. The

government has not taken into account deaths occurring due to falling in

open wells.

 

A forest official also pointed out that three lionesses and two cubs were

found buried in the fields in mid-October. The animals were buried in a

private field after they died due to electrocutions.

 

This was the first incident in Gir Sanctuary where five animals were

electrocuted to death. The incident had taken place outside the sanctuary in

Prempara village about three km from Dhari town in the private fields. The

official said that this should be deemed as an accident. But the government

has only taken into account road accidents while replying to the questions.