Ahmed Patel writes to PM Modi over deaths of Gir lions

GANDHINAGAR: Ahmed Patel, Rajya Sabha MP from Gujarat  has written a letter to the prime minister Narendra Modi over the lions’ in the state and requested him to take quick action.

Patel, in his letter to Modi, wrote, More than 23 of them have died in last three weeks and over 180 since 2016. The Gir lion is the pride of Gujarat but unfortunately their large scale deaths are a manifestation of negligence. These deaths have not occurred overnight but are a result of the state government’s prolonged mismanagement and poor oversight.”

Patel suggested the PM to direct the Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change to extend the eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) area up to 10 kms from the protected area. In Gujarat, the ESZ extends only up to 0.5 kms. This has caused unwarranted interference in the ecosystem of the lions. The Centre, in consultation with the state government, can consider revising the ESZ for Gir National Park, he wrote.

Patel also suggested to have a fine balance between promoting tourism and conserving wildlife. The growing dog menace & uncontrolled growth of resorts near the sanctuary has become a serious threat for the survival of the lions.

Patel also suggested the PM that, “both the Centre & the State must make immediate investments for better medical facilities for the lions. He appealed to the Government of India not to neglect the lions of Gujarat and treat them with the same importance given to the tigers.

The Central government can consider to create a Rs 1,000 cr fund for the conservation of the Gir lion and launch a national-level program on the lines of Project Tiger.