An unfortunate incident occurred in Gujarat’s Amreli district when an Asiatic lion was tragically killed after being run over by a goods train. Another lion was also injured in the incident which took place during the early hours of Friday. The incident happened near Uchaiya village in Rajula taluka, when four lions were spotted by the forest staff attempting to cross the railway track that connects Pipavav Port with Rajula town.
Despite the forest staff alerting the train driver and his attempt to apply emergency brakes, the lions were unable to escape the speeding train. One lion sustained severe injuries and was immediately shifted to the Sakkarbaug Zoo in Junagadh for treatment.
It’s worth noting that the rail route between Pipavav port and Rajula is situated away from the Gir forest, which is the last sanctuary for Asiatic lions in the world. The area passes through the revenue area. The incident has prompted an investigation by the Forest Department, which has sent a large team to the scene to determine the cause and gather further information.
Chief Conservator of Forests and Wildlife in Junagadh, Aradhana Sahu, shared, One lion died and another was injured, while two managed to escape safely after encountering a train on an elevated railway track in Rajula taluka. The injured lion has been transported to Junagadh Zoo for treatment. The Forest Department is actively investigating the incident. The lions involved were between the ages of 1 and 3.
Following the incident, a comprehensive investigation has been launched, and a team from the Forest Department, headed by Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) Jayan Patel and Range Forest Officer (RFO) Yograj Singh Rathore, has been working diligently to gather evidence and determine the circumstances that led to the unfortunate incident.
To safeguard the lions from train-related accidents, the state forest department had installed fences along the track at regular intervals. However, cyclone Tauktae in 2021 caused severe damage to the fence and several watchtowers along the track, leaving the area more vulnerable.
This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the importance of strengthening measures to protect wildlife and prevent such accidents in the future. Authorities are now evaluating potential strategies to enhance safety along the railway track and mitigate any risks to the lion population.
As the investigation deepens, it is crucial to learn from this incident and implement urgent steps to ensure the conservation and well-being of these majestic Asiatic lions, which hold great ecological significance and are an integral part of India’s wildlife heritage.
