Gandhinagar: Union Environment and Forest Minister Bhupender Yadav on Friday stated that the Gujarat government has implemented measures for the conservation of Asiatic lions and is addressing challenges related to their protection with sensitivity and commitment.
His comments come in the wake of the deaths of eight Asiatic lion cubs in Gujarat’s Gir forest region in May. Speaking on the sidelines of the ‘Viksit Bharat Sankalp Sammelan’ in Gandhinagar, Yadav mentioned he is in regular contact with state Forest Minister Arjun Modhwadia regarding lion conservation issues.
“I assure you that the Gujarat government is working effectively to conserve lions, and all challenges, including diseases, are being handled sensitively,” Yadav said. He added, “I am in contact with Forest Minister Arjun Modhwadia, who has been reviewing the situation. I also recently visited Gir. Local causes of lion deaths are being identified, and significant control has been established.”
Eight lion cubs died in the Gir forest region in May. Initially, it was believed that all had succumbed to a suspected Babesia infection, a tick-borne disease. However, earlier this month, Modhwadia disclosed that the fatalities were actually caused by heat, weakness, and low immunity in the cubs.
When asked about a tiger’s presence in the state and the Gujarat forest department’s reported move to seek a tiger habitat tag for Ratanmahal, Yadav insisted that such recognition is subject to established protocols. “There is a process and protocols to be followed in this regard. We will take cognisance of matters that come up in coordination with the Gujarat forest department and act accordingly,” Yadav said while speaking to the media.
He also stated that a decision regarding the settlement of cheetahs in Gujarat will be taken in accordance with prescribed protocols. Tigers were declared extinct in Gujarat in 1989, according to forest department records. The recent settlement of a tiger has raised hopes for the revival of the species in the state, which is known as the last abode of Asiatic lions.
Taking a swipe at the opposition and its zero seats in the Rajya Sabha from Gujarat, the BJP leader said the Congress party is responsible for its own decline. “The Congress is responsible for its own downfall. In a nation, positive politics succeeds, not negative politics. The NDA has completed 25 years under the BJP’s leadership, while the Congress-led UPA has even changed its name,” he said.
