Asiatic lions make Mitiyala their new home

25-03-2008

Asiatic lions make Mitiyala their new home

Times Of India Ahmedabad Edition

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Ahmedabad: The Asiatic lions moving out of the Gir sanctuary have made Mitiyala, Bhavnagar and Amreli as their permanent home.

The state government admitted this in the Assembly. In response to MLA Kalu Virani’s question, it stated that six lions have made Mitiyala in Savarkundla taluka as their permanent home. In another reply to a question asked by Kalubhai Rathod, the government said that the areas adjoining Gir forest, including Amreli and Bhavnagar districts, have reported an increase in the number of lions, which are seen in the grasslands of these two districts.

The gove r n m e n t said measures are being taken up to tackle the issue. These include creating awareness, covering the open wells, repairing roads, educational programmes on lion conservation, besides, developing ecoclubs. Around Rs 24.37 lakh have been spent in the area for conservation, stated the government.

In reply to a question of Kalubhai Rathod, the government said that measures are also being taken up to declare reserved forest of around 17,887 hectare as protected.

The government also made it clear that a gene pool is also in the planning stage in Wankaner area of Rajkot district.