AHMEDABAD: The Gujarat High Court has granted the state government an additional two weeks to submit the findings of a high-level inquiry panel investigating the recent deaths of three Asiatic lions on railway tracks near the Gir sanctuary. The extension follows a request from Additional Advocate General Manisha Lavkumar, who cited the need for more time to finalise the comprehensive report on the incident, which occurred in January.
The high-level committee, formed to scrutinise the roles of division-level officers from both the railways and the forest department, has completed its inquiry. However, finalising the report necessitates additional time, Lavkumar explained to the court. The next hearing on the matter is scheduled for July 12. The issue first came to the fore on April 23 when the High Court initiated a suo motu Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in response to the unnatural deaths of the lions. The court expressed its frustration with the perceived inaction by the forest and railway departments following the fatal accidents involving the lions. The judges criticised the superficial nature of the initial inquiries and demanded accountability from senior officials. In previous hearings, the court had questioned why department heads had not insisted on more thorough investigations into the incidents. The bench chastised both the railways and the forest department for their “sketchy” reports, making it clear that mere departmental inquiries and dismissals of lower-level personnel would not suffice. The deaths of the lions in two separate accidents on the railway tracks have sparked significant concern and outrage among wildlife conservationists and the public. The Asiatic lion, primarily found in the Gir Forest, is a critically endangered species, and such incidents highlight the urgent need for improved safety measures to protect these majestic animals.
The state government’s commitment to addressing this issue is now under intense scrutiny. The inquiry panel’s report is expected to shed light on the causes of the accidents and hold accountable those responsible for any negligence. The findings will also likely propose measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future, ensuring better protection for the Asiatic lions and their habitat. The upcoming court session on July 12 will be crucial in determining the next steps in this case. The High Court’s insistence on a detailed and transparent investigation underscores the importance of safeguarding India’s wildlife heritage and enforcing accountability within governmental departments. As the nation awaits the final report, there is a collective hope that this inquiry will lead to significant improvements in wildlife management practices, thereby preventing further loss of life among these endangered lions. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between infrastructure development and wildlife conservation, calling for more stringent measures and greater awareness to protect India’s natural treasures.
