In response to queries from Congress MLAs during Question Hour of the current assembly budget session, the minister stated that the state government has spent Rs 277.93 crore for lion conservation in 2022 and 2023. In various regions of Gujarat, 238 lions—including cubs—died during this time. He responded in writing, saying that out of these, 209 lions died from natural causes and 29 died from unnatural causes, like large animals getting struck by cars or falling into open wells.
The Gujarat government told the legislative assembly on Tuesday that over Rs 277 crore had been spent on lion conservation in the Gir and Greater Gir areas, home of Asiatic lions, over the previous two years. Under “Project Lion,” which aims to save large cats in 2020, the Center has approved the establishment of a National Wildlife Disease Diagnostic and Referral Center in Junagadh, according to Minister of State for Forests and Environment Mukesh Patel.
During Question Hour of the current assembly budget session, the minister responded to inquiries from Congress MLAs, stating that the state government had spent Rs 277.93 crore for lion conservation in 2022 and 2023.
In various regions of Gujarat, 238 lions—including cubs—died during this time. He responded in writing, saying that out of these, 209 lions died from natural causes and 29 died from unnatural causes, like large animals getting struck by cars or falling into open wells.
“We have assigned veterinarians and sent four ambulances into forested regions to treat lions promptly in the event of an illness outbreak or accident. In addition to setting up clinics for treating wild animals at various locations, the forest department has sent out rapid response teams to save animals in need, according to Patel.
In order to stop unnatural deaths, he said, the government is installing fences on both sides of the railway track near Gir Wildlife Sanctuary, installing parapet walls for open wells close to forests, installing speed limiters on roads that pass through sanctuary areas, and radio-tagging Asiatic lions to monitor their whereabouts.
According to PTI, A ‘National Wildlife Disease Diagnostic and Referral Center’ to treat sick and injured lions is set to open in Junagadh, close to Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, the minister also told the House.
As part of the Center’s “Project Lion,” a senior official claims that the state government has already chosen a 50-acre plot of land close to Junagadh city for the construction of the medical center.
According to him, the facility—the first of its kind in Gujarat—will serve as a hospital for wildlife and a hub for studying animal illnesses.
The most recent census, which took place in June 2020, found that 674 Asiatic lions reside in Gujarat.
