Shetrunji is rising, but forest dept has no plans yet to keep Asiatic Lions safe

by Alok Brahmbhatt, Ahmedabad Mirror | Updated: Jun 12, 2017, 09.41 AM IST
It was only two years ago that flash floods wreaked havoc in Amreli and Bhavnagar districts, killing 10 Asiatic lions, more than 1,600 blue bulls and around 90 spotted deer. But Gujarat forest department has yet not learnt its lesson.

For four days now, it has been raining incessantly in Amreli and other parts of east Gir, where the density of Asiatic lions is the highest. By now a monsoon action plan should have been executed to keep these animals safe. However, forest officials are yet to meet and discuss the plan. There seems to be no urgency even now -the officials are in no mood to meet before the scheduled date of June 15.

Savarkundla, Liliya and surrounding areas of Amreli have the highest density of lion population according to the census conducted in 2015. The same year, during the torrential rains, carcasses of around 10 lions were found around the banks of Shetrunji river. The flash floods, with water level rising up to nine feet, badly affected and disturbed the riverine ecosystem of Shetrunji and surrounding areas of Amreli and Bhavnagar districts. As per the lion census, there were around 80 lions in Savarkundla, Liliya and adjoining areas of Amreli.

In the past four days, heavy rainfall has been recorded in these areas. These areas have a flat terrain with bushes on both sides of the river, making it an ideal habitat for the lions to breed and hunt. A flat terrain, however, is more risky during the floods as it turns marshy. When that happens, neither can the lions move out nor can forest officials venture in to rescue them.

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Manoj Joshi, who has been active in environmental conservation and protection activities in Liliya for over 15 years said, “It is mandatory to have a foolproof monsoon plan ready before it rains because the soil in the area is such that even if there is a 2-inch rainfall, the place becomes marshy and slippery. So, it gets difficult to rescue lions or safeguard the lionesses and the cubs."

Wildlife enthusiast and photographer Rajan Joshi said, “I checked with forest offices in the region, but the officials were all busy in some government function. I am told it has already rained about 4 inches in the past couple of days. If no measures are taken immediately it may become impossible to safeguard the lions that are easily sighted in this area."

Every year, during monsoon, forest department takes stock of its wireless communication systems, emergency vehicles and equipment as part of its disaster-preparedness plan. They also service and sharpen the saws because there are several instances of trees getting uprooted. However, there is no plan specific to lion conservation, said sources. The forest department team keeps track of lion movement during the monsoon and ensures lives are not at risk due to flooding.

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Locals in Liliya and Krankach say that it is easier to spot lions here than in Gir sanctuary because the feline population is dense here.

AP Singh, Chief Conservator of Forests, Junagadh Wildlife Circle, told Mirror, “We execute an action plan every year. There is a set process to do it. This year we have not executed it yet because the officials were busy with Shala Praveshotsav. We will conduct a meeting on June 15 and implement it."

Criticising the forest department for inaction, environmental activist Bhikhubhai Batwala said, “The monsoon plan should have been prepared before the rains. There are a few measures I have been suggesting to ensure the lions are safe." His suggestions include artificial hills so that during flood-like situation, the lions can climb up to a safe location instead of getting trapped in marshy fields.

He added, “There are no trees in the area as the water is saline. But there are some trees that can grow in such soil. These should be transplanted here from other location so that the lions can climb to safety during floods. Besides, these trees can also provide them shelter during summer."
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