Direct Gujarat to share lions, MP to Centre

20-08-2009
Direct Gujarat to share lions, MP to Centre
Times of India
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Asking the Centre to intervene in the pending matter of relocation of Asiatic lions from Gujarat to the state, Madhya Pradesh government has sought release of funds to set up breeding centres for the wild cat. "All preparations for relocation of the Asiatic lions had been completed in 2005 ... However, these lions have not been received from Gir Sanctuary of Gujarat," MP minister for forest Rajendra Shukla said at the national conference of state ministers of environment and forests here. He said as an alternative arrangement, the Centre had proposed that the project be taken forward through Asiatic lions bred in zoos. He requested immediate release of this amount and to transfer zoo-bred Asiatic lions. When contacted, Ashok Kumar of Wildlife Trust of India said, "Gujarat is also justified in not parting with lions as it has a clean record as far as protection of the species is concerned." PTI