Ahmedabad: Worried by the number of lion deaths on railway tracks, Gujarat govt has conveyed its policy decision to Centre and Indian Railways that, henceforth, only elevated rail and highway corridors would be built in and around Gir and Greater Gir area, reports Himanshu Kaushik. The region registered 17 lion deaths in 15 train accidents.
Citing examples of three major national parks – Jim Corbett, Sundarbans, and Kanha – the communication from Mulu Bera, state forest minister, to Union ministries for road and highways, forest and environment, and to Railways, emphasises that all new projects – railway lines and state and national highways – around wildlife sanctuaries, especially Gir and Greater Gir areas, must be elevated.
Citing examples of three major national parks – Jim Corbett, Sundarbans, and Kanha – the communication from Mulu Bera, state forest minister, to Union ministries for road and highways, forest and environment, and to Railways, emphasises that all new projects – railway lines and state and national highways – around wildlife sanctuaries, especially Gir and Greater Gir areas, must be elevated.
Mukesh Patel, minister of state for forest (Gujarat), said: “Planning is under way and experts are assessing the situation to determine where elevated corridors (for movement of wildlife) on existing tracks can be constructed. Once finalised, govt will implement the plan.”
A forest department officer said this decision will impact all future projects in the area. For existing tracks, though, especially the Pipava-Liliya section which alone reported 16 deaths, the department is planning to elevate it if alternative land is available.