Saturday, July 31, 2010

Leopard attack: Two injured in Junagadh

31-07-2010
Leopard attack: Two injured in Junagadh
Times of India
http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Client.asp?Daily=TOIA&showST=true&login=default&pub=TOI&Enter=true&Skin=TOINEW&GZ=T&AW=1280569010468

A couple was attacked inside their home by a leopard in Junagadh town on Thursday night. The vietims were admitted in trauma ward of government hospital there.

According to sources, Jinabhai Parmar, a resident of Dhragadh area near Girnar Darwaja in Junagadh, was asleep along with his family members at his home. Around 3 am, a leopard attacked him and later injured his wife Jasuben, 36, and son Kalpesh, 13.

The family raised an alarm and people from nearby area rushed to the spot, managed to lock the leopard inside a room and alerted forest department officials.

Forest department staff later managed to cage the leopard and sent it to Sakkarbaug zoo in Junagadh.

Friday, July 30, 2010

Details of existing cases filed by Amit Jethwa

30-07-2010
Details of existing cases filed by Amit Jethwa.

Dear Nathistory India Members,
I wanted to share with you the details of the cases where we were representing Gir Youth Nature Club. These cases are before the Central Empowered Committee. These cases will go on since they are in the nature of Public Interest Litigation.
IA No. 1243
Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary –a total area of 180 sq km of area declared as sanctuary by notification dated 31st May 2008. The sanctuary provide satellite habitat to Asiatic Lion. Many mining leases are in operation within 5 km radius of the Girnar sanctuary which threatens the existence of biodiversity and wildlife of the Girnar Sanctuary.
Encroachments in the area by religious institution is continuing with the help of politicians and influential people by construction of huge Ashrams. The ashram has been allowed to exists even after there is a clear order for eviction of the same. For last many years the people started procession called 'Girnar Parikrama' wherein people take round of Mount Girnar on foot of about 18-20 kms within the sanctuary area. It takes almost four to five days to complete the parikrama and 8 to 10 lacs people participate in last parikrama. Number of people will increase every year. The stalls are put up in the sanctuary area and people stay in sanctuary for five days. The local authorities do not enforce the rules because of religious issue and this in turn leads to lot of disturbance and damage to wildlife.
Another issue raised in the Application was that in October 2005 it was found that 2.5 km cement road of 10 ft width constructed in Datar Hill of Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary. The Deputy Conservator of Forest was informed of the issue but no action taken. The Range Forest officer booked the case and when he tried to take action against the offender, he was transferred.
This Application was filed in January 2010 by Mr. Amit Jethava before CEC raising all the issues.
IA No. 829
This Application was filed before CEC raising the issue of encroachment in the form of Ashram in Kantala Beat of Tulshishyam Range of Gir East Forest Division. The Ashram is named Hanumangala Ashram has also started encroaching upon the land for expansion and residents of Ashram depend on forest for fuel wood. Nearly five thousand people visit ashram on weekend with their vehicles. The pedestrian road connecting this Ashram with Babarpara village has been upgraded into motorable road. This issue was also raised in 80th report on preservation of Gir forest and protection of wildlife by the Department- Related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science and Technology, Environment and Forest (2000-2001). In violation of WPA a political function was also organized in the Park, in which Range Forest Office also attended. A complaint u/s 55 c was filed but no action taken.
IA No. 803
This Application pertains to encroachment in survey no. 290 of Mitiyala Wildlife Sanctuary. This sanctuary is important corridor of Asiatic Lions from Gir to Palitana. Mitiyala Wildlife Sanctuary is home to 8-10 Asiatic Lions, Spotted Deer, Blue Bull, Leopard Four Horned Antelope etc. this sanctuary was notified on 7.02.2004. the survey no. 290 of this sanctuary is encroached upon for doing farming and other non forest activity. The forest officials were inform about the encroachment but no action taken. The heavy rainfall in the monsoon led to soil erosion due to non forest activity. There is imminent threat to the future of the Mitiyala Wildlife Sanctuary and Asiatic Lion Corridor.
As they say the show must go on…in the same way the cases must go on as a tribute to Amit Jethwa. Any inputs on the cases and issues are welcome. Those who want to see the complete papers may send an email.

Ritwick Dutta and Rahul Choudhary

Legal Initiative for Forest and Environment
LIFE serves as the Secretariat of The Access Initiative (TAI) - India and
EIA Response Centre (eRc)
N-71 LGF Greater Kailash-I
New Delhi-110048
Ph-91-11-49537774
9810044660
www.ercindia.org www.accessinitiative.org__,_.

Ramesh nod to reintroduce cheetah in 3 sites

30-07-2010
Ramesh nod to reintroduce cheetah in 3 sites
Times of India
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Ramesh-nod-to-reintroduce-cheetah-in-3-sites/articleshow/6229130.cms

The Union environment and forests minister Jairam Ramesh on Wednesday gave green signal to reintroduce cheetah in three locations in the country. The ambitious project will cost around Rs 300 crore in the first year itself and will also displace more than 100 settlements.

Ramesh said the ministry would back the plan envisaged by ex-environment secretary M K Ranjitsinh, who is also the trustee of Wildlife Trust of India, Divyabhanu Singh, author of a book on cheetah, and Y V Jhala of the Wildlife Institute of India to import the African or Iranian cheetah to three locations -- Kuno-Palpur Wildlife Sanctuary and Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh and Shahgarh region of Jaisalmer in Rajasthan.

As per the plan, around 5,600 sq km of drylands and grasslands will be turned into a natural habitat for the cheetah, while displacing the local population.

The site in Jaisalmer has about 80 seasonal settlements of nomads. Earlier, 23 villages were relocated from Kuno-Palpur to make way for the Gir lions from Gujarat. Now, another three villages have to be shifted. In Nauradehi, 23 villages have to be resettled while complying with the strict guidelines of the Forest Rights Act.

The minister said he would write to the Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan governments soon, and invite them for discussions on the proposal.

The cheetahs will be either brought from some West Asian countries or Namibia or South Africa, where the African cheetahs are bred in captivity. Though Iran will also be approached, Tehran has been reluctant to part with the animals since it has a very small population of the endangered species.

Ranjitsinh said the United Arab Emirates has been willing to accede to India's request.

As per the proposal, initially each site will get to host six cheetahs each."The plan may take between 10 and 15 years to implement," said Jhala.

The report, submitted to the ministry, suggests that in a decade Nauradehi could be home to as many as 50 cheetahs in the restricted area, with another 20 finding their natural habitat in surrounding forests.

In the same period, Kuno-Palpur could rear 32 animals, and another 38 to be at peace with adjoining forests and grasslands,

The report suggests that a 140-km-long chain-link fence needs to be erected in Shahgarh following which 40 aniamls could be sustained.

Ramesh said the project assumes significance since cheetah is the only animal to have gone extinct in the country in the past 1,000 years. Besides, the animal could help preserve grasslands and drylands in its new homeland.

"The only way to protect grasslands is to reduce human pressure on these areas," explained Ranjitsinh.

"All developed countries have laws for reintroduction of animals. India, too, is no exception," added Jhala.

Cheetahs will find a home in India again

30-07-2010
Cheetahs will find a home in India again
The Hindu
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article538866.ece

Cheetah – the only large wild mammalian species that India has lost – will now be reintroduced in the country's three identified grasslands. The move will help in restoration of grasslands and protecting many other endangered animals there. Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus venaticus) was last spotted [in India] in Chhattisgarh in 1967.

Cheetah will be obtained from Middle East, where North African Cheetah are bred, Iran, Namibia and South Africa. Initially, 18 cheetah will be brought to three sites proposed in the report, "Assessing the Potential for Reintroducing the Cheetah in India", brought out by the Wildlife Trust of India and the Wildlife Institute of India.

The report, presented to the Ministry of Environment and Forests here on Wednesday, has identified Kuno-Palpur and Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuaries in Madhya Pradesh and Shahgarh Landscape in Jaisalmer in Rajasthan. All the three sites require an initial investment of Rs 100 crores each before the animals are imported in the next two to three years.

Accepting the report, Jairam ramesh, Minister of State for Environment and Forests said: "It is important to bring cheetah back to our country. This is perhaps the only mammal whose name has been derived from Sanskrit language. It comes from the word chitraku which means spots. The way tiger restores forest ecosystem, snow leopard restores mountain ecosystem, Gangetic dolphin restores waters in the rivers, the cheetah will restore grasslands of the country."

Threatened species

Among the threatened species which are on the brink of extinction are carcal (Caracal caracal), the India wolf Canis lupus pallipes) and the three endangered species of the bustard family – the Houbara (Chlamydotis undulate macqueenii), the lesser florican (Sypheotides indica) and the most endangered of them all – the great Indian bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps).

Like tiger and elephant, the cheetah will also need a distinctive status, Mr. Ramesh said, adding that he would now take up the matter with State governments to bring them on board before actually starting the project which will be totally funded by the Centre. This would involve relocation of some families living in the core areas. He said initial negotiations for reintroduction of cheetah had started with Africa, Iran and the Middle East.

He said that Kuno-Palpur [in the Sheopur district of north western Madhya Pradesh] could become the only place in the world where tiger, lion and cheetah could survive together. The government had proposed to relocate the Gir Lion from Gujarat to this place, but the project had to be shelved following opposition by the Gujarat government. This wildlife sanctuary was home to tigers until some years ago. Among the large carnivores, cheetah are likely to present the lowest level of conflict with human interests, as they are not a threat to human life and are most unlikely to predate large livestock.

The cheetah reintroduction would greatly enhance tourism prospects, especially at the sites, the cascading effects of which would benefit the local communities. Cheetah as a flagship would evoke a greater focus on the predicament of the much abused dry-land ecosystem and the need to manage them, which would benefit pastoralism in India where the largest livestock population in the world resides, report said.

Gujarat misses out on cheetah

30-07-2010
Gujarat misses out on cheetah
Times of India By Himanshu Kaushik
http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Client.asp?Daily=TOIA&showST=true&login=default&pub=TOI&Enter=true&Skin=TOINEW&GZ=T

The Wildlife Institute of India and Wildlife Trust of India have recommended Kuno Palpur as a possible site for reintroduction of cheetah. Banni Grasslands and Kutch Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat have lost in the race for reintroduction of cheetah.

The feasibility report on 'Assessing the Potential for Reintroducing the Cheetah in India', prepared by Dr Y V Jhala, a senior scientist at WII, and his team, was submitted to Jairam Ramesh, Union minister of state for environment and forests.

It has been decided that cheetah will be obtained from Iran, Namibia and South Africa. Initially, the Central government plans to bring 18 cheetah from the three countries.

The report says 10 sites in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Chhattisgarh were assessed for the purpose. "Kuno Palpur Wildlife Sanctuary, a part of the Sheopur-Shivprti forested landscape, had the second largest area (6,800 sq km) among the surveyed sites. This site is rated high on the priority list for considering the reintroduction of the cheetah, because several restorative investments have already been made here for introducing the Asiatic lions," says the report.

The protected area is estimated to have a current capacity to sustain 27 cheetahs, which could be enhanced to over 32 by addition of some more forest areas (120 sq km) to the Kuno sanctuary. Moreover, the report says that lion and cheetah reintroduction complements each other.

However, all may not be lost for Banni grasslands and Kutch Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat. "If Gujarat government takes serious steps to restore this landscape, the site could be re-evaluated at a later date," says the report.

The report says that the two sites cover a vast arid landscape of which over 5,800 sq km could be considered as potential cheetah habitat. The wild prey abundance was extremely low with no current potential for considering introduction of a large carnivore. However, the area has potential and with restoration, livestock grazing management and law enforcement, the area could bounce back and potentially support over 50 cheetah.

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Jethava murder: ‘Missing’ MP says not guilty in ads

27-07-2010
Jethava murder: 'Missing' MP says not guilty in ads
Indian Express
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/Jethava-murder---Missing--MP-says-not-guilty-in-ads/652252

"Missing" BJP MP from Junagadh, Dinu Solanki, put out an advertisement in three Gujarati dailies on Monday, claiming he had no enmity with Amit Jethava, the RTI activist who was shot dead near the Gujarat High Court a few days ago.

Since Jethava's killing, the MP has not been seen in public and the Junagadh police, which provide him security, said they last saw him on July 18. The Ahmedabad police probing Jethava's murder said they have got "vital clues".

Dinu Solanki is said to be a close aide of Amit Shah, the former home minister now in judicial custody.

Junagadah SP incharge Maninder Pawar said the MP was last seen on July 18 at a Garib Kalyan Mela function. "We have no idea where he is now," said Pawar. Solanki did not attend the Parliament session on Monday in Delhi either.

In Ahmedabad, the police have traced the vehicle used by the two assailants who shot Jethava. "One of them appears to be a history-sheeter. We have also sought details about complaints registered against and by Jethava in Amreli and Junagadh districts," Ahmedabad police said.

Police officers investigating the case said, "We cannot give details of the seized vehicle or of the suspect. But we have got leads."

They said the killing seemed well-coordinated at three levels. "It appears that a middleman might have given supari (a contract to kill) to the two persons who shot Jethava," they said.

DCP Zone-I, Brijesh Kumar Jha, refused to elaborate. "The police are talking to Jethava's friends and relatives who spoke to him a few hours before the incident took place."

What the ad says
MP Shri Dinubhai Solanki's Public Clarification I had no enmity with Amit Jethava. The PIL filed in High Court on illegal mines has no impact on the ones working in my name spread over two-and-a-half acres because following the Supreme Court order, these mines have been closed since 2005. This PIL does not help or affect me adversely in any way.

It is possible the sad incident could have been a result of to the impact of Amit Jethava's PIL on other legal and illegal mine operators.

According to my information, Amitbhai frequently filed public interest litigations (PILs) in the Gujarat High Court, which affected different subjects, due to which this incident (Jethava's murder) could have taken place.

I have learnt through newspapers that Amit Jethava had confided to his lawyer friend that Dinubhai would be upset with his petition, but they perhaps do not know that the lease of the mines mentioned in the PIL have expired.

Monday, July 26, 2010

Jethava murder: Police close in on suspects

26-07-2010
Jethava murder: Police close in on suspects
Times of India
http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Client.asp?Daily=TOIA&showST=true&login=default&pub=TOI&Enter=true&Skin=TOINEW&GZ=T&AW=1280219429921

City crime branch officials have got a direction to look at in Amit Jethava murder case. According to sources, a man has provided the police a tip-off on a probable suspect in the case who visited the city in the morning when the incident took place.

According to crime branch sources, a clothes trader met with senior officials on Saturday and tipped them off that a man, hailing from Banaskantha, had come to his shop on July 22 morning and asked for a kafni and dhoti. As he was a long-time associate, he had started chatting with him over the purpose of his visit.

"During that time, he was a little drunk and started bragging about himself. He told the trader that he had come to eliminate a person. It was a supari killing through his associate and he had also got two country-made guns. He was ridding a Bajaj Discover bike when he visited the shop. When the murder was reported in media the next day, the trader recalled the dialogue and informed police, fearing the subsequent investigation involving his name," said a source.

The suspect, known for supari killing, worked for a second agent and he did not know who paid for the killing. He, however, had mentioned that it was a call from Saurashtra region. He also claimed that he came with Diu police and was not afraid of anyone as he had got police protection, said the sources, adding that the second person was from the city. The suspect is known for killing his victims after getting drunk and officials apparently found a bottle from the spot.

When contacted, the police officials denied the report and said that they were working on theories involving suspects and had sent teams at various locations for hunt.

Amit Jethva

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Shaken by Jethava’s killing, senior activist gives up fight

25-07-2010
Shaken by Jethava's killing, senior activist gives up fight
Indian Express
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/Shaken-by-Jethava-s-killing--senior-activist-gives-up-fight/651245

Bharat Jethva, who was opposing Girnar Ropeway Project in Junagadh, says he will choose life over death, 'shattered' peers say it's abject surrender

Days after prominent wildlife and RTI activist Amit Jethava was shot dead, a senior activist from Gandhinagar opposing the Girnar Ropeway Project in Junagadh has called off his campaign saying he fears for his life.

Bharat Jethva, who runs a community website, posted a message on Saturday saying he would no longer opposed any development project in Gujarat. "Many of us have learnt today that we need to choose between our own Life or Wildlife..." Jethva says while 'pledging' he is no more involved in opposing the Girnar Ropeway Project.

"Dear all, I have no words to express what has happened to Amit Jethava !! I withdraw myself from an emotionally driven opposition to the Girnar Ropeway Project due to my passion for wildlife. I request concerned people to take note of this. I have 'pledged' I would not be involved in opposing any of the developmental projects that affect wildlife/biodiversity/environment by anyone, anywhere throughout my life, unless it affects or threatens my personal life !! I choose safe life with my family !!"

"Simultaneously, I also have requested many of my friends not to approach or involve me in opposition of Girnar Ropeway Project or any such project now onwards. I request you to take this positively in favour of my survival and safe life. Looking forward to working positively with many of you for great land of Garvi Gujarat !!"

The post created ripples among wildlife activists, many of whom say this is not the way to call it a day.

Kishore Kotecha of Wildlife Conservation Trust, Rajkot, who urged the activists to carry on with their activities in his post, told The Sunday Express, "Why should we take it as a hurdle? In fact, I would like to fight with double intensity. The opinions about Amit Jethava who was killed might differ but we all must unite and fight with double spirits."

Arun Mani Dixit from Centre for Environment and Social Concerns (CESC), Ahmedabad, was more critical. "It is highly demoralising reading your 'pledge', especially when we need to strengthen and regroup our energies. Resistances and hurdles are always there in life. So you should be ready for taking pledges on daily basis on different issues. Even if you wanted to withdraw your support on the issue of Girnar Ropeway, you need not 'advertise' like this. You may not be knowing but there are many young naturalists who admire you and look up to you for guidance. Forget youngsters, even I admire you a lot, but this shatters me."

Friday, July 23, 2010

Amit Jethava murder: Police team visits Junagadh to investigate BJP MP’s role

23-07-2010
Amit Jethava murder: Police team visits Junagadh to investigate BJP MP's role
Indian Express
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/Amit-Jethava-murder--Police-team-visits-Junagadh-to-investigate-BJP-MP-s-role/650647

A team of Ahmedabad police and Crime Branch officers have left for Junagarh to probe into the allegations levelled by the parents of RTI activist Amit Jethava that he was killed by BJP MP Dinu Solanki.

Joint Commissioner of Police Satish Sharma said the team left for Junagadh even as "the parents are yet to give a formal complaint to us" in this regard.

Meanwhile, Ahmedabad-based lawyer Anand Yagnik today gave a written statement to the Sola High Court police, stating that Jethava had met him on July 19 at the HC.

He said Jethava expressed fears that Solanki would kill him as he had filed a PIL inquiring the MP's role in an alleged land mining scam in the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary.

Yagnik told the police said Jethava had asked him to extend moral and legal support in his efforts to check illegal mining.

He further said that he was giving the statement as Jethava was killed in front of the high court the very next day.

Police teams sent to Junagadh to investigate RTI activist's murder

23-07-2010
Police teams sent to Junagadh to investigate RTI activist's murder
Times of India
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/Police-teams-sent-to-Junagadh-to-investigate-RTI-activists-murder/articleshow/6202022.cms

Ahmedabad Police has sent teams to Junagadh to investigate the murder of RTI activist Amit Jethwa, who was killed in front of Gujarat High Court from a point blank range by two assailants.

"Police are investigating all aspects linked to Jethwa's murder, including the name of persons figuring in the PIL on illegal mining filed by him," DCP Brijeshkumar Jha said.

The PIL against illegal mining on the periphery of Gir forest area has named BJP MP from Junagadh, Dinu Solanki and his family members.

"We have found that the bike used by the assailants was stolen from Dholka town," Jha said, adding that the bag left by the two at the site of the incident had clothes with marks of a Junagadh laundry.

The second lead in the case is that Jethwa had returned from Gandhinagar, before he was shot dead near the state High Court on Tuesday, Jha said.

The police have sent teams to Junagadh to investigate the case, he said.

Jethwa's father Bhikabhai yesterday alleged that Dinu Solanki could be behind his son's killing.

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Slain RTI activist's dad says BJP MP to blame

22-07-2010
Slain RTI activist's dad says BJP MP to blame
Times of India
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Slain-RTI-activists-dad-says-BJP-MP-to-blame/articleshow/6198606.cms

A day after green activist Amit Jethava was killed outside the Gujarat high court, investigators have got clues to suggest that it was a contract killing carried out by goons from Saurashtra region.

The victim's father, Bhikhu Jethava, on Tuesday said: "I suspect Junagadh BJP MP Dinu Solanki for the murder of my son, who had recently submitted an affidavit to the Kodinar police expressing fear that he may be killed by Solanki. My son had filed an RTI application and also a PIL in the Gujarat HC against Solanki."

Jethava was gunned down at 8.45pm soon after he came out of the bar council's office in Satyamev complex — opposite the HC — to get into his car. According to Sola police station officers, the assailants had come on a bike and shot him with a country-made revolver. "We have got some clues from the scene of crime. Different teams have been constituted and sent to Junagadh to track the killers," said HM Kundaliya, inspector of Sola police station. "Eyewitnesses said Jethava tried to catch the two killers. A scuffle ensued and the duo fled the spot, leaving their bike and one of the pistols. The bike's number is fake," said a police officer.

Jethava was a former government employee who had been suspended for some irregularities. He turned into a wildlife activist based in Dhari, and established the Gir Nature Club. Eventually, he ventured into other areas of environmental activism and used RTI Act to dig out information about wrongdoing committed by industries and officials.

Till about 2005, Jethava used to travel from Dhari to Ahmedabad in a bus to meet his lawyers through whom he used to fight several environment-related cases. However, in recent times, he had purchased an office and residential apartment in Ahmedabad and used to travel in his personal vehicle.

His show must go on, says close friend

22-07-2010
His show must go on, says close friend
Indian Express
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/His-show-must-go-on--says-close-friend/650133

Amit Jethava's friend Bhaga Dhakan, who was the co-founder and former president of the Gir Nature Youth Club (GNYC), said the club would continue its campaign on issues related to environment and forests with help from its 4,000 volunteers in at least 15 villages.

Dhakan, who was childhood friend of Jethava, said the club just had 15 members when it started five years ago. "I could not give full time to the club due to my family business in gold at Khamba. Just a year after the club started, I handed over the entire management to Jethava," said Dhakhan while carrying Jethava's body to their hometown of Khamba for the last rites.

In the beginning, GNYC activity was restricted to conducting youth camps. It is now active in villages like Mangrol, Jamnagar, Mahuva, Kodinar, Unai, Jafrabad, Rajula, Khamba, Jamagar and many more in Saurashtra. "Jethava showed great vigour in the club. He almost dedicated his life to the issues like environment and forests. His income were used as funds for the club," said Dhakan.

He, however, refused to comment about who could be responsible for Jethava's murder. "He never discussed any issue with us. He never said if someone is threatening him. Most of the issues were legal and his paperwork was always perfect."

His last PIL named Solanki

In his last Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed before the Gujarat High Court, slain activist Amit Jethava had sought directions to the authorities to get the illegal limestone mining in the periphery of Gir Lion Sanctuary and National Park stopped.

Jethava had accused BJP MP from Junagadh, Dinu Solanki, of being actively involved in the illegal mining. The Division Bench of HC headed by the Chief Justice S J Mukhopadhaya is hearing the petition.

Following are the excerpts of the PIL with Jethava making direct allegations against Solanki and one of his cousins: "...All the mining activities in Una and Kodinar taluka are carried out by one political personality, who is presently member of Parliament from Junagadh and is a former MLA from Kodinar, Mr Dinubhai Boghabhai Solanki, and his cousin Mr Shiva @ Pratap Hamirbhai Solanki, who is the president of Kodinar Nagarpalika." "He (Dinu Solanki) is also running illegal blacktrap mines and stone crusher in gauchar land bearing survey no. 131 of Gir border Village Pichhvi."

The court had admitted the petition and even allowed Jethava to implead Dinu and Shiva Solanki as respondents.

"Pendency of this case shall not stand in the way of the state authorities to take immediate measures to stop illegal mining, if going on in the area," the HC said.

FIR on illegal mining was filed 3 days ago

22-07-2010
FIR on illegal mining was filed 3 days ago
Indian Express
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/In-brief/650138

Three days before Amit Jethava, president of the Gir Nature Youth Club, was shot dead in Ahmedabad, the group had exposed illegal mining work going on the periphery of Gir Wildlife Sanctuary located on border with Kodinar town in Junagadh district. An FIR was filed by the Geology Department against nine persons and the police said investigation is on. According to the FIR filed on July 17, the accused were found mining limestone from Alidar area, located within 5 km of Gir Wildlife Sanctuary, where mining is prohibited.

Jethava was feared, mocked at in state forest dept

22-07-2010
Jethava was feared, mocked at in state forest dept
Express India
http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/jethava-was-feared-mocked-at-in-state-forest-dept/650099/

Wildlife and RTI activist Amit Jethava's murder has come as a shock for the forest department officials, many of whom were at the receiving end of his RTI queries and activism.

Senior forest officials confirmed even before Right To Information (RTI) Act was enforced, the state department of Environment and Forests had issued a directive asking all its officers to take action on issues raised by Jethava only on their merit.

A senior forest official recalled the one-line circular that mentioned, "Amit Jethava na akshepo upar dhyan levo nahi. (do not consider any allegations from Jethava).

Many forest officials had even complained of harassment from Jethava, who objected to the promotion of a few of them. The promotion of director of environment J K Vyas was recently quashed by the High Court following Jethava's objection. Vyas refused to comment.

Jethava was State wildlife Advisory Board's member for a short term, between 2003-04. "Most of the members are known wildlife activists. The forest department dismissed him after they came to know that Jethava was suspended from Amerli Community Health Centre," said a senior forest official.

Only a week ago, the forest department replied to Jethava's affidavits in the SC. There were three — one related to the issue of Hanuman Ashram encroachment at Gir National Park and Sanctuary, the second was about a road in Gir and the third about the Parikrama of pilgrims around Girnar Temple.

CONTESTED 2007 ASSEMBLY POLLS

22-07-2010
CONTESTED 2007 ASSEMBLY POLLS
Times of India
http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Client.asp?Daily=TOIA&showST=true&login=default&pub=TOI&Enter=true&Skin=TOINEW&GZ=T&AW=1279772048656

Activist Amit had more foes than friends

Amit Jethava had made more enemies than friends whether is was forest beat guards to politicians. Sources said fearing threat to his life, Jethava carried a licensed gun for protection. He had recently submitted an affidavit with the Kodinar police expressing fear for his life. His father told the police on Wednesday that ever since Jethava raised the illegal limestone mining issue, he had been apprehensive of one such attack.

The last petition filed by Amit was against illegal mining in the outskirts of Gir forest near Kodinar. As president of the Gir Nature club, a majority of his petitions and Right
to Information (RTI) applications were focused on environment issues.

Jethava had nearly 27 RTI appeals pending in the State Information Commission on issues like construction of check dams, ponds, panchayat elections, students issues, pensions and illegal mining.

Jethava, who contested assembly elections in 2007, In his affidavit had stated that there were two cases against him — an extortion case against him and impersonating a forest official to take photographs of a dead lion. In another police complaint registered in Khamba, Amreli, he had been accused of trespassing and illegal detention. He was chargesheeted in both cases.

Cops mismanaged crime scene

22-07-2010
Cops mismanaged crime scene
Times of India
http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Client.asp?Daily=TOIA&showST=true&login=default&pub=TOI&Enter=true&Skin=TOINEW&GZ=T&AW=1279772048656

Before forensic investigators could reach the crime spot, the cops were already seen picking up the bike left behind by the killers and checking a bag that the goons had dropped. The bike was put back on its stand. "There was no attempt made to secure the crime scene. Policemen were trampling the crime scene with scant regard to the basics of crime scene management," a police source said.

‘I suspect Junagadh MP for my son’s murder’

22-07-2010
'I suspect Junagadh MP for my son's murder'
Times of India
http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Client.asp?Daily=TOIA&showST=true&login=default&pub=TOI&Enter=true&Skin=TOINEW&GZ=T&AW=1279772048656

The murderers of green activist, Amit Jethava, are likely to be contract killers from Junagadh. Police investigators have found some crucial evidence to support this.

One of the evidences was quite dramatically collected by the victim himself. When he was shot on his back, Jethava turned around and lunged at his two assailants. He managed to grab the 'kurta' of one of the killers. This piece of garment has pointed the needle of suspicion towards Saurashtra."We have got some clues from the scene of crime. Different teams have been constituted and sent to Junagadh to track the killers," said HM Kundaliya, inspector of Sola police station.

Lending credence to this line of investigation, the victim's father, Bhikhu Jethava, on Tuesday said: "I suspect BJP MP from Junagadh,Dinu Solanki, for the murder of my son. He had recently submitted an affidavit to the Kodinar police expressing fear that he shall be killed by Solanki. My son had filed an RTI application and also a PIL in the HC against Solanki." Jethava, was gunned down outside the Gujarat High Court on Tuesday night.The incident took place when Jethwa, came out of the bar association's office in Satyamev Complex opposite the HC at 8.45 pm and was getting in his car. The assailants riding a bike had shot him with a country-made revolver. When Jethava attacked his killers, they fled the scene — one of them was bare-bodied. The killers also dropped the bike and a pistol at the site. The cops have tracked the motorbike to Dhandhuka.

The kurta has provided the cops with a better clue.The garment bears a laundry tag. "Each laundry has its typical tag. We have tracked it down to Junagadh," said a senior police official."This is a typical modus operandi of Saurashtra killers who prefer countrymade pistols. They also consume liquor before such a crime. A plastic bag containing liquor proves this," said police sources.

ISSUES JETHAVA TOOK UP ILLEGAL MINING | The petition was filed against the Union government, state government, a geologist in Junagadh and collector. He prayed that the court should stop illegal mining in the area and sought directions for stopping power supply in all illegal mines.

WRONGFUL PROMOTION | He challenged the appointment of director, Forest and Environment Department and prayed that the appointment be termed irregular and illegal. The court, in the order, stated that the promotion be quashed and set aside.

LOKAYUKT | The process for appointing a lokayukt was initiated in the state after almost seven years. This was stated in the high court after Jethava filed a petition seeking direction to the state government to initiate the process of appointing a lokayukt.

INFO COMMISSIONERS | Gujarat now has three information commissioners. Two commissioners were appointed after Jethava filed a petition in court seeking directions. He has also moved court wanting Indian Postal order should be included in the mode of payment for RTI.

The bike that the assailants left behind after killing Amit Jethava outside Gujarat High Court on Tuesday evening

Amit Jethava

How police let killers escape

22-07-2010
How police let killers escape
Times of India
http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Client.asp?Daily=TOIA&showST=true&login=default&pub=TOI&Enter=true&Skin=TOINEW&GZ=T&AW=1279772048656

Environment activist Amit Jethava was killed right in front of policemen inside a patrolling vehicle. Eye witnesses say the cops did precious little to chase the assailants or shift Jethava to hospital.

At 8.45 pm, when Jethava came out of the Satyamev complex and was shot, a police patrol car was parked at a short distance. Eye witnesses say two cops rushed out of the car after hearing the solitary shot that killed Jethava. They saw the victim falling on the road and rushed back inside the car to send wireless messages.

Jethava by then had turned and lunged at his assailants. He got hold of one of them. However, owing to heavy blood loss, he lost the grip and collapsed on the road.

The police started chasing the killers much later. "Sniffer dogs took us to the escape route of the goons. One of them had slipped and fallen in a muddy stretch of road. However, after some distance the trail died out, suggesting they could have fled in a vehicle from there," said police investigators. Eye witnesses claimed that while Jethava was lying on the road with blood oozing out of the bullet wound in his back, he was mumbling something. The cops, however, made no attempt to record what could have been his dying declaration.

The complaint of murder in this case has been lodged by Indrasinh Vaghela, a constable of Sola police station. Vaghela says he was returning home from work when he heard the shot and rushed to the site.

Vaghela in his complaint said that when he reached the spot, he saw the killers trying to escape but could not catch up with them. This sounds incredible as the two assailants escaped on foot, while Vaghela was on his motorbike.

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Wildlife activist shot dead near HC

21-07-2010
Wildlife activist shot dead near HC
Ahmedabadmirror.com
http://www.ahmedabadmirror.com/article/3/2010072120100721030140400befbd8d8/Wildlife-activist-shot-dead-near-HC.html

A wildlife activist and crusader, who had started a campaign against the mining mafia that had endangered the Asiatic Lion in the Gir sanctuary, was brutally murdered near the Gujarat High Court on Tuesday night.

Amit Jethava, who had forced the Kodinar police to register complaints against the mining mafia through an RTI, was killed by two persons who came on a motorcycle and fired four rounds from close range from a revolver, police sources said.

A .12 bore revolver was found a little distance away from the spot. According to primary information, Jethava had got down the stairs of Satyamev Complex, bang opposite the high court, after having had a word with his advocate Vijay Nagesh around 8.45 pm.

As soon as he opened the door of his Maruti Gypsy, one of the duo fired at Jethava from behind, just three feet away. A dog squad that reached the spot found two live cartridges and one of the sandals of the culprits on a road some distance away from the spot.


An injured Jethva (inset) ran to the assailants, caught hold of them, but collapsed
Despite being fired at, Jethava ran after the duo, catching hold of one of them. However, they shook him off and ran towards the Sayona City in Ghatlodia, leaving their Bajaj Discover bike (registration number GJ-1 DG 2482) behind. Jethava collapsed and fell to the ground. He died on the spot.

H M Kundaliya, PI, Sola police station, said, "We are taking statements of eyewitnesses and people who had come to meet Jethava's lawyer. We have relayed a message across police stations to nab the culprits."

A resident of Vishwas City-II, Jethava is originally from Khambha village in Amreli district. He had filed a complaint against Aamir Khan in the Chinkara killing case and had taken up cudgels against the mining mafia in the Barda sanctuary.

But for Jethava and the RTI filed by him against the mafia, the police, that had refused to file complaint against the miners for four years, would never have registered a complaint. The hearing of as many as 35 illegal mines in the periphery of Gir is on in the high court.

Jethava's cousin told Ahmedabad Mirror, "For the past some time, Jethava had taken up the fight against illegal mining in the Gir periphery. The complaint filed by the geologist there was not taken up and it was only after the RTI filed by Jethava that the complaint was registered. Several politicians are also involved in the illegal mining activity near Gir and evasion of duty worth crores of rupees."

Police and forensic officials look for clues at the spot where Jethva was shot. The assailants abandoned their motorcycle

An injured Jethva (inset) ran to the assailants, caught hold of them, but collapsed

RTI activist shot dead near Gujarat high court

21-07-2010
RTI activist shot dead near Gujarat high court
DNA
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_breaking-news-rti-activist-shot-dead-in-ahmedabad_1412505

A prominent Right to Information (RTI) activist, who had filed a PIL against illegal mining in Gir forest region, was shot dead by two unidentified gunmen opposite Gujarat high court in Ahmedabad today, police said.

Amit Jethwa was shot from a close range by the assailants who fled on a motorcycle after the incident, they said.

Police inspector HM Kundaliya said Jethwa died on the spot after he was shot.

"His body was being sent for postmortem and search for the assailants was on," Kundaliya told PTI.

Jethwa was very active in the conservation of wildlife, especially lions, in the Gir area. He has also helped the police solve some cases relating to lion poaching.

Jethwa had recently filed a public interest litigation (PIL) in the high court against illegal mining in the Gir region of Junagadh district which is considered the last abode of Asiatic lions in the world.

Green activist shot dead near High Court

21-07-2010
Green activist shot dead near High Court
Times of India
http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Client.asp?Daily=TOIA&showST=true&login=default&pub=TOI&Enter=true&Skin=TOINEW&GZ=T&AW=1279772048656

An environmental activist, Amit Jethava, was shot dead outside the Gujarat High Court on Tuesday night.

The incident took place at 8.45pm when Jethava, who had come out of the bar council's office in Satyamev complex — situated opposite the High Court — was getting into his car. According to the Sola police station officials, the assailants had come on a bike and shot him with a crude revolver.

"Two assailants, each armed with a country-made revolver, were waiting next to Jethava's car," said a police official who is investigating the case. "One of them shot him in the back. Eyewitnesses say Jethava turned back and lunged at the bikers. A scuffle ensued and the duo fled the spot on foot, leaving their motorbike and dropping one of the revolvers. The bike's number is fake."

Sniffer dogs were put to work and the trail led towards Jethava's house at Vishwas City in Ghatlodia. On the way, cops found two 12-bore cartridges and a slipper.

Jethava was a former government employee who had been suspended for some irregularities. He turned into a wildlife activist based in Dhari, and established the Gir Nature Club. Eventually, he ventured into other areas of environmental activism and used the Right to Information (RTI) Act to dig out information about wrongdoings committed by industries and officials. Critics have pointed out that he was dubious in his dealings and often used to blackmail certain industries and officers.

Till about 2005, Jethava used to travel from Dhari to Ahmedabad in a bus to meet his lawyers through whom he used to fight several environment-related cases. However, in recent times, he had purchased an office and residential apartment in Ahmedabad and used to travel in his personal vehicle.

According to the police, Jethava, a native of Khamba in Amreli district, had recently locked horns with people indulging in illegal limestone mining in Kodinar.

"Jethava was dead soon after the incident. We have set up checkpoints to look for the suspects and block exits," said HM Kundaliya, an inspector of the Sola police station. Jethava a champion of environment issues

Ahmedabad: It was on Saturday last that activist Amit Jethava had helped a team of geology and mining department file an FIR with Kodinar police against illegal limestone miners. The miners had recently looted mining equipment seized during a raid and Jethava had spearheaded a campaign against illegal mining in his area.

He shifted base to Ahmedabad a year ago. Jethava, apart from being an environment activist, had forayed into Right to Information (RTI) issues. He had started an RTI information desk in Khamba taluka in Amreli district.

Be it lion poaching, illegal mining, the famous Aamir Khan-chinkara poaching case, the appointment of information commissioners in Gujarat—Jethava used RTI and public interest litigations (PIL) as weapons to fight for public issues. In his latest case Jethava had dragged the state government to Gujarat High Court regarding the appointment of an ombudsman or Lokayukta for Gujarat which has been pending since 2003.

Jethava had also written to state vigilance commission seeking action against corrupt forest officials.

In the lion poaching case of 2007, Jethava was among the first to blow the whistle on the mysterious deaths of lions in Gir forest. He later campaigned against shifting of lions to the Kuno Palpur national park in Madhya Pradesh. In the Aamir Khanchinkara poaching incident Jethava had earlier filed a writ petition in HC seeking quashing orders against a Bhuj court which stayed an inquiry against Khan.

Since 2006 Jethava spearheaded the RTI campaign in Khamba. Every month he and his team would organise mass awareness programmes regarding the new law. From school students to retired employees, women and small traders had been using this new tool in his taluka to get their rights.

Jethava had spearheaded the campaign against rising case pendency in the Gujarat Information Commission (GIC) due to lack of commissioners. It was on his petition that the HC directed the state government to complete the appointments within a stipulated time.

He again came to the rescue of thousands of RTI users by filing a writ petition in the HC and made the government accept Indian Postal Order (IPO) as one of the modes of payment to deposit fees while filing of RTI applications.

Amit Jethava

Amit Jethava

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Crackdown on illegal mining near Gir

20-07-2010
Crackdown on illegal mining near Gir
Ahmedabad Mirror.com By Dilip Patel
http://www.ahmedabadmirror.com/article/3/20100719201007190049514661e72a9f2/Crackdown-on-illegal-mining-near-Gir.html

After much delay, officials have taken some action to stop illegal mining near the Gir sanctuary. The district mining department on Saturday filed a complaint against nine people for carrying out mining activities in Alidhar village, which is close to the abode of Asiatic lion.

Following the complaint, the Kodinar police arrested three people and seized mining equipment. "Three people are already in our custody. More arrests will be made in the coming weeks," Inspector G N Zala said. "We take action after the mining department conducts surveys (in affected areas)."

Though the police have filed 15 FIRs over illegal mining so far, this is the first time they have made arrests so quickly. Earlier, they used to dillydally because they were reportedly under pressure from the mining mafia.

In February this year, two senior officials — Royalty Inspector J R Patel and Mines Supervisor D A Prajapati — tried to file a complaint against owners of 13 quarries, but they were turned back.

According to reports, the quarry owners had illegally dug 1.23 lakh tonnes of limestone in villages such as Pinchhava, Vitthalpur, Alidhar and Ghantva, which are close to the protected wildlife area.

The sudden urgency shown by the police to clamp down on illegal mining follows efforts made by Junagadh-based geologist Ramesh Mule and NGO Gir Nature Youth Club to draw senior authorities' attention to the problem.

On June 19 this year, the NGO filed an RTI application to know why the police were not booking owners of illegal quarries. It even filed a petition in the Gujarat High Court, which then ordered immediate action against people involved in the unlawful activity.

According to the deputy conservator of forest (Gir west), illegal digging is underway in 13 villages in Una, Talala and Kodinar talukas, which are located near the border of the Gir sanctuary.

According to this year's lion count, 74 wild cats live outside the protected area. They face the danger of falling into illegal limestone quarries. The state forest and revenue departments have begun land surveys to identify such sites.

More than 70 wild cats live outside the protected area in Gir. They face the danger of falling into illegal limestone quarries

Monday, July 19, 2010

Translocation of lions: Prey base main contention of argument in SC

19-07-2010
Translocation of lions: Prey base main contention of argument in SC
Times of India
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/Translocation-of-lions-Prey-base-main-contention-of-argument-in-SC/articleshow/6181983.cms

Does Kuno Palpur in Madhya Pradesh have enough preys for the last breed of Asiatic Lions? No, says Gujarat government. Yes, says Madhya Pradesh government. This is the latest bone of contention between the two governments that are involved in a legal battle in Supreme Court over translocation of lions.

The counter affidavit filed by Madhya Pradesh government in Supreme Court has based its major arguments on the prey-base report prepared by Wildlife Institute of India.

Acting on the affidavit filed by Gujarat government, Madhya Pradesh government has reiterated that it has adequate prey base. The affidavit was filed in the Supreme Court which was acting on a petition praying that the lions should be shifted to Kuno Palpur. Further hearing in the case is scheduled for July 30.

Gujarat government's main contention in their affidavit filed in May this year was that lion and tigers cannot stay together and that the prey base is inadequate in Kuno Palpur. Among the other contentions, Gujarat Government had pointed out that earlier efforts to shift lions outside the state had also failed.

It was in 1980 that Dehradun-based Wildlife Research Institute had felt that the 1,400-sq. km Gir forest in Gujarat, with its population of over 350 big cats, was too small for housing such a large number of animals.

It also felt that concentrating the entire lion population in one place exposed it to the danger of being wiped out by a disease or natural calamity. The institute then zeroed in on the 345-sq. km Kuno-Palpur sanctuary and launched the Asiatic Lions Reproduction Project, a Rs 64-crore Centrally funded scheme, spread over a period of 20 years, to shift the lions. The census conducted this year showed that there were over 411 lions in the state.

In reply to this, Madhya Pradesh Government has filed the counter affidavit in the Supreme Court. The MP affidavit has contended that the prey base is adequate and to support their claims they have quoted report of the Wildlife Institute Of India.

BOX

Meal stats: 13 animals per sq km in MP

Wildlife Institute Of India (WII) had in its report stated that the density of catchable wild prey (chital, sambhar, nilgai and pig) is 13 animals per sq km in Kuno Palpur. This will grow to 20 animals/sq km'.

The report further stated there are about 2,500 cattle, left behind by translocating people which are considered to be buffer prey for lions over the likely problem of drought. MP government has once again relied on the fact that many lions die after falling into a well, due to poaching and electrocution. They have relied on figures recently acquired by them.

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Gir has prey base of 56 animals per sq km

18-07-2010
Gir has prey base of 56 animals per sq km
Times of India
http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Client.asp?Daily=TOIA&showST=true&login=default&pub=TOI&Enter=true&Skin=TOINEW&GZ=T&AW=1279772048656

This Is Almost Three Times Than Kuno Palpur's

Madhya Pradesh government may claim that Kuno Palpur has a prey base of 20 animals per sq km and that this is adequate for lions.

But, reality is quite different here in Gujarat. Despite having a prey base of over 55 animals per sq km, Asiatic lions of Gir have been known to venture out in search of food.

A senior officer of Gujarat's forest department said the recent census, concluded in April this year, showed that the population of herbivorous animals in Gir national park and sanctuary was over 80,000. This was over an above the number of domestic animals reared by the Maldharis staying in the forest. The total area of the sanctuary and park is about 1,450 sq km. The officer said the prey base worked out to be almost 56 herbivorous per sq km.

GA Patel, former principal chief conservator of forest and wildlife warden, says, "A prey base of 20 animals is too small. According to a study on prey base conducted by the Gujarat forest department, there was a need for over 50 animals per sq km which is fulfilled by Gir." He too supported the contention of Gujarat government that the prey base was very less in Kuno Palpur.

Forest officials here said, "The presence of over 50 animals in a sq km area was more then adequate. Yet, the big cats were often seen venturing out of the forest." Those working in the forest area feel that the animal were moving out in search of an easier prey base.

Another forest official said the prey base of 20 animals per sq km may sound good on paper but for the lions of Gir this was not adequate. He said the WII report has also supported the Gujarat government's claims that the earlier efforts to shift lions have failed.

The same report in the beginning states that the "Government of India made an effort to establish a second population in Chandraprabha in Uttar Pradesh in 1957. This efforts, for various reasons, did not succeed." This supports the stand Gujarat has taken before the Supreme Court.

SHIFTING OF LIONS

18-07-2010
SHIFTING OF LIONS
Times of India
http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Client.asp?Daily=TOIA&showST=true&login=default&pub=TOI&Enter=true&Skin=TOINEW&GZ=T&AW=1279772048656

Prey base main argument between Guj, MP

Does Kuno Palpur in Madhya Pradesh have enough preys for the last breed of Asiatic Lions? No, says Gujarat government. Yes, says Madhya Pradesh government. This is the latest bone of contention between the two governments that are involved in a legal battle in Supreme Court over translocation of lions.

The counter affidavit filed by Madhya Pradesh government in Supreme Court has based its major arguments on the prey-base report prepared by Wildlife Institute of India.

Acting on the affidavit filed by Gujarat government, Madhya Pradesh government has reiterated that it has adequate prey base. The affidavit was filed in the Supreme Court which was acting on a petition praying that the lions should be shifted to Kuno Palpur. Further hearing in the case is scheduled for July 30.

Gujarat government's main contention in their affidavit filed in May this year was that lion and tigers cannot stay together and that the prey base is inadequate in Kuno Palpur. Among the other contentions, Gujarat Government had pointed out that earlier efforts to shift lions outside the state had also failed.

It was in 1980 that Dehradun-based Wildlife Research Institute had felt that the 1,400-sq. km Gir forest in Gujarat, with its population of over 350 big cats, was too small for housing such a large number of animals.

It also felt that concentrating the entire lion population in one place exposed it to the danger of being wiped out by a disease or natural calamity. The institute then zeroed in on the 345-sq. km Kuno-Palpur sanctuary and launched the Asiatic Lions Reproduction Project, a Rs 64-crore Centrally funded scheme, spread over a period of 20 years, to shift the lions. The census conducted this year showed that there were over 411 lions in the state.

In reply to this, Madhya Pradesh Government has filed the counter affidavit in the Supreme Court. The MP affidavit has contended that the prey base is adequate and to support their claims they have quoted report of the Wildlife Institute Of India.

MEAL STATS
13 ANIMALS PER SQ KM IN MP


Wildlife Institute Of India (WII) had in its report stated that 'the density of catchable wild prey (chital, sambhar, nilgai and pig) is 13 animals per sq km in Kuno Palpur. This will grow to 20 animals/sq km'. The report further stated there are about 2,500 cattle, left behind by translocating people which are considered to be buffer prey for lions over the likely problem of drought. MP government has once again relied on the fact that many lions die after falling into a well, due to poaching and electrocution. They have relied on figures recently acquired by them.

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Lioness dies of old age in Gir

13-07-2010
Lioness dies of old age in Gir
Times of India
http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Client.asp?Daily=TOIA&showST=true&login=default&pub=TOI&Enter=true&Skin=TOINEW&GZ=T&AW=1279095673281

The carcass of a 16-year-old lioness has been found from Sasan range of Gir wildlife sanctuary. Postmortem revealed that the death was due to old age. According to forest officials, the carcass was spotted by beat guards on patrol on Saturday. "Incidentally, it was the same lioness which was unwell some four months ago.

The lioness was then rushed to Animal Care Centre in Sasan from where she was released later after being provided with treatment. However, at the time of her release, veterinary doctors at the centre had termed her as terminally ill due to rheumatism and had predicted short life-span for her," said a forester. The PM report released by the Animal Care Centre in Sasan also corroborated this fact. Meanwhile, sources in the forest department said the department is in the process of locating a few ageing lions to provide them with nourishment medicines to enhance their life span.

Friday, July 09, 2010

Second abondened cub dies

09-07-2010
Second abondened cub dies
Divya Bhaskar
Briefly translated from Gujarati

Few days back two cubs of about 2 months were abonded by mother lioness few days back near Meldi temple in Visawadar range. One of the cub died three days back at the range office in spite of care by forest staff. Surviving cub was sent to Sasan Animal Care Centre. It also died yesterday even after necessary care. DFO Katara informed that when the cubs were found in heavily dehydrated condition and hemoglobin level had gone down upto 2%. Mother may have abondened cubs may be because of mating or nay be it was mother for first time, he added.

Tuesday, July 06, 2010

One of the two abondened cub dies

06-07-2010
One of the two abondened cub dies
Gujarat Samachar
Briefly translated from Gujarati

Two cubs abondened by mother lioness were found and nursed by forest department in Visawadar. Intense search was done for mother but in vein. One of these two cubs died yesterday, may be because of poor nursing or otherwise naturally. The other cub is moved to animal health centre at Sasan. This was one of the lion counted during Apr-10 census.

Monday, July 05, 2010

Villagers kill leopard after it attacks 9 in Banaskantha

05-07-2010
Villagers kill leopard after it attacks 9 in Banaskantha
Times of India
http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Client.asp?Daily=TOIA&showST=true&login=default&pub=TOI&Enter=true&Skin=TOINEW&GZ=T&AW=1278310579046

A leopard was killed by angry villagers of Tirth village in Vav Taluka in Banaskantha district on Sunday after it injured at least nine villagers, including a forest beat guard, police said. The shocking incident took place in presence of more than 30 police jawans and a dozen forest officials.

According to forest department officials, the incident of leopard attacks took place in the wee hours of the day when some villagers were on their way to attend to nature's call. Chaman Thakore spotted the wild cat, but before he could react the animals had pounced on him. Hearing his cries, other villagers, who were nearby, came forward and were also attacked the by the leopard.

Some of the villagers intimated the area beat guard R K Purohit. Purohit too was attacked when he tried to tackle the animal. "Purohit was severely injured as he got into a physical fight with the big cat. He suffered fractures to his limbs and was admitted to a private hospital," said range forest officer B M Chaudhari. The other injured included Jidalji Thakore, Arjan Thakore, Darga Hira and three others.

However, as a major operation was underway at the village to cage the wild cat, the villagers got to the animal first. While RFO Chaudhari spoke about the leopard attacks in the morning, he was unavailable for comment when the news of the leopard killing came in. "As many as 30 police jawans and a dozen forest officials and revenue officials were present in the village to cage the animal. But, the angry villagers chased the animal with sticks and stones and killed it by late evening," said police subinspector AM Bariya.

Photographer Karan Dagla snapped the leopard running away after attacking a villager on Sunday

State govt allocates Rs 10 cr for Ambardi lion interpretation zone

05-07-2010
State govt allocates Rs 10 cr for Ambardi lion interpretation zone
Times of India
http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Client.asp?Daily=TOIA&showST=true&login=default&pub=TOI&Enter=true&Skin=TOINEW&GZ=T&AW=1278310579046

The state government has allocated Rs 10 crore for set-ting up the second lion interpretation zone in Ambardi near Dhari in Amreli.This would come as a major boon for tourists who want to see lions in Gir nearer to Diu.

Ambardi promises a whole new tourist circuit which will include Gir National Park (Junagadh-Saurastra), Tulsishyam and Diu for the Amdavadi and south Gujarat backpackers. While, the second sight-ing zone is being set up near Khodiyar Dam as so far, lions were spot-ted only in parts around Sasan in Junagadh district.

Officials said this area would be developed on the lines of Devalia in-terpretation zone for Asiatic lions, making it easier tourists as they can visit Gir National Park (Junagadh-Saurastra) and Diu in a single trip. Till now, travellers were forced to take a longer route from Ju-nagadh, Sasan, Kodinar and finally Diu,which is over 500 km from Ahmedabad. But now, after developing Ambardi as tourist spot, one can directly head for Amreli and from there to Kodinar via Tulsish-yam and to Diu, saving around 100 km.

Officials said that earlier the state government had sanctioned Rs 4.7 crore for the interpretation zone which was later revised to Rs 10 crore project. But now, with the government planning to have lions as it main face of tourism, the tourism department has sanctioned the remaining amount and the same has been dispersed to the forest de-partment for speedy action.

Sunday, July 04, 2010

Two cubs alondened by mother

04-07-2010
Two cubs alondened by mother
Divya Bhaskar
Briefly translated from Gujarati

Range forest office Visawadar in Gir(W) found two cubs, about 2 months old, inside the forest area near Meldi Aye check post. Officials have informed that cubs may be abondened by mother wanting to mate with a male. Forest staff are searching for Lioness mother and in the mean while are nursing the cubs.

Saturday, July 03, 2010

Safari permits will not be increased

03-07-2010
Safari permits will not be increased
Gujarat Samachar
Briefly translated from Gujarati

Tourism Dept. of Gujarat had requested to increase no. of permits being issued to tourists for Safari at Gir sanctuary to see famous Asiatic lions. In response state forest department has refused to increase this in favour of conservation of wildlife.

Friday, July 02, 2010

Seamless coverage of Gir sanctuary

02-07-2010
Seamless coverage of Gir sanctuary
Times of India By Himanshu Kaushik
http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Client.asp?Daily=TOIA&showST=true&login=default&pub=TOI&Enter=true&Skin=TOINEW&GZ=T&AW=1278063586968

The forest department has decided that the wireless communication network cannot be limited to the Gir sanctuary. The project is at planning stage and the department is now proposing to have complete coverage across Gir forest and wildlife sanctuary area.

The tender which has been floated on the basis of the recommendations of the state task force require that the wireless communication network should be able to provide seamless voice communication facility in Gir forest and sanctuary area. The wireless communication network would also cater for extended Gir area in subsequent phases.

The task force, set up after the 2007 poaching incident, has recently come out with the recommendation. The officials said that the GPS and GIS-based tracking system to monitor the movement of all the vehicles and security personnel moving inside the Gir forest and national sanctuary area has to upload the position data automatically to the control room in real time.

The department also wants 25 messages prefed into the system. These include tree cut, tree fallen, poaching, fire, spotted lion, mating of lion, lion with cubs, lion in distress among others, with position and time stamping. Even the GPSbased hand-held device that will be given to the surveillance team when they are on beat duty would have such messages.

The officials said that the new proposed communication system should have adequate secrecy during voice communication. At present, voice communication is in broadcasting mode, manually repeated. In such a situation no information can remain confidential.The GPS-based vehicle tracking system for all the vehicles entering into the Gir forest national park and wildlife sanctuary is also to be developed, as part of the system.
The new system will also be application software integrated with the digital map of Gir sanctuary. Data from the hand-held GPS system of the surveillance personnel, vehicle movement and animal tracking system to be displayed on the map, as and when required.
The command and control center is to be set up at the office of conservator of forests (Wildlife) Sasan Gir. The GIS data of Gir forest and bruhad Gir area that includes Amreli, Bhavnagar, Porbandar, Jamnagar and Rajkot districts is to be customized, showing all the motorable roads inside the forest area, water bodies including the water points created by GFD, all the forest establishments offices, radio towers, watch towers among others.

Keeping tabs on staffers

The officials also want to keep their eyes on activities of their men in the field. "In the present set-up of the wireless communication, there is only one spot frequency and the senior forest officials keep monitoring the conversation among the beat guards and others to get an idea about the activities. As this is a common practice and has some definite administrative advantages, officials would like to have similar facilities in the new wireless communication system," states the tender document.

File photo of an official in Gir during census

BELLING THE BIG CAT

02-07-2010
BELLING THE BIG CAT
Times of India By Himanshu Kaushik
http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Client.asp?Daily=TOIA&showST=true&login=default&pub=TOI&Enter=true&Skin=TOINEW&GZ=T&AW=1278063586968

Soon, forest department will be able to record body temperature and heartbeat of big cats in and around Sasan Gir. The forest department, which has recently issued tenders for use of GPS in Sasan and nearby areas, has decided to use GPS-based animal collar system. Of the 411 lions in the sanctuary, the department proposes to collar upto 10 per cent lions, which is about 50 lions, in the initial phase.

According to the tender bid, the animal collar should send position, heartbeat and body temperature of the animal with time stamping, at least once in a day, and preferably 2 to 3
times.The government has proposed that the neck-band be adjustable, lightweight, low
in power consumption and with a battery life of around one year, weighing around 1 kg.

An official said the radio antenna of the collar must be embedded in neck band and should not have an exposed end. It may result in injury, hindrance for the lion while moving around in the forest. Officials said as per specification, the vendor setting up GPS system will have to set up a radio network which should automatically capture data transmitted by collar and deliver data it to control room set up at Sasan headquarters.

There are 550 waterholes and few natural water bodies in Gir which provide water to the wild animals. Almost all animals visit these waterholes once a day. The government proposes to establish VHF/UHF radio network infrastructure-based access points around these locations.


A GPS collar which will be fitted on 50 lions in the initial phase

Gir collects Rs 2 crore from tourist inflow

02-07-2010
Gir collects Rs 2 crore from tourist inflow
Times of India By Himanshu Kaushik
http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Client.asp?Daily=TOIA&showST=true&login=default&pub=TOI&Enter=true&Skin=TOINEW&GZ=T&AW=1278063586968

For the first time, Gir sanctuary and Devaliya Interpretation Centre has crossed the Rs 2 crore mark as far as tourism revenues are concerned, an increase of over 17 per cent from earlier years.

Official data shows that the number of visitors too has gone up. In Gir Sanctuary, it has gone up by 23 per cent while the same in Devaliya has gone up by nearly 30 per cent.

Deputy conservator of forest Sandeep Kumar said this year more than 13,299 more visitors have visited during the season from October 2009 to 15 June 2010. The number of visitors during tourist season was 70,391.

Senior officers said the number of foreigners who visited the sanctuary is just 7 per cent of the total visitors. Of the 70,391, 4,957 were foreigners, which was 541 more than 2008-09. Lesser foreigners have visited Devaliya. According to Kumar, the increase in revenue is because of rise in tourists as the entry rates remain unchanged. He further said only 90 vehicles were permitted to enter the sanctuary in two shifts — morning and evening. "During vacation and on holidays, there was a need to increase the number of permits as many tourists had to wait for their turn," said an official.

The maximum rush was noticed during Diwali holidays, Dusshera, Christmas, New Year and Uttarayan. During summer vacation, the rush was as expected. Officials further said that because of uncertainity of sighting a lion, many Indian tourists prefer to have a look of the majestic lion in Devaliya rather then coming to Gir Sanctuary. Also, those on the way to Somnath would make a short halt at Devaliya and then resume their journey.



Post Big B visit, tourism dept seeks hike in Gir visitor permits

02-07-2010
Post Big B visit, tourism dept seeks hike in Gir visitor permits
Times of India By Himanshu Kaushik
http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Client.asp?Daily=TOIA&showST=true&login=default&pub=TOI&Enter=true&Skin=TOINEW&GZ=T&AW=1278063586968

Impressed with the tourist influx after the Big B shoot in Gir, the state tourism department has proposed to the forest department to keep a part of the forest open throughout the year and increase the number of permits issued to visitors. The forest closes mid-June till October during the mating season of the beasts.

The tourism department has requested the forest department to issue more permits during the tourist season, between October and June 15. Tourism Secretary, Vipul Mittra, said, "At present, the forest department allows 90 vehicles twice a day, we have requested them to increase the number by at least 30 more vehicles."

However, the forest department has not fully agreed to the proposal. "This was proposed with the intention that visitors do not have to go back. Further, we are also requesting the forest department to ensure that the Devaliya interpretation zone is not closed during the rainy season so that visitors can at least watch the animal in a semi-wild area," said Mittra.

However, chief conservator of forests, Junagadh (wildlife) S Chaturvedi said that Devaliya never closes down except on Wednesdays. He admitted that not many people were aware of this. "We are planning to create awareness about Devaliya being open round the year and will also start an advertisement campaign to this effect."

Tourism officials said that before releasing advertisement the department wanted to ensure that there was a flow of tourists and they did not need to return without sighting lions. The officer said that soon after Amitabh Bachchan finished his shoot for the promotional film on tourism, in Gir, there was a increase of 15-20 per cent in the tourist flow.

However, the forest department was still mulling over the tourism proposal. A senior forest officer, refusing to be quoted, said "In the entire ninemonth tourist season only 20-25 days go totally packed. In the remaining days only 60 per cent of the 90 permits are used."

He further added that increasing the permit was also not in the interest of the wildlife as it would create disturbance and the animal would be troubled by intrusion in its privacy.

Thursday, July 01, 2010

Leopard attacks sleeping woman

01-07-2010
Leopard attacks sleeping woman
Divya Bhaskar
Briefly translated from Gujarati

In one more animal attack on human, a leopard attacked a woman sleeping in her hutment at Sat Vadla area of Mendarda in Gir west. Leopard caught her and dragged her by head & neck. She stared screaming due to which leopard left her and ran away. Hawaben Jusabbhai Solanki (age 40) was moved to Junagadh hospital. She had 45 stiches on head and is out of danger.

Previous Posts