Transfer surplus Gir lions to MP, says Dijvijay Singh

13-05-2015
Transfer surplus Gir lions to MP, says Dijvijay Singh
Ani News
http://www.aninews.in/newsdetail2/story215471/transfer-surplus-gir-lions-to-mp-says-dijvijay-singh.html

New Delhi, May 13 (ANI): Senior Congress leader Digvjiay Singh on Wednesday called for the translocation of 'surplus' lions from the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat to Madhya Pradesh.

Taking to Twitter, Singh said, "Gujarat has been denying lions from Gir to be translocated to MP despite MP having made all arrangements in Kunu NationalPark."

"Now Gujarat has surplus lions it should allow lions to be translocated to MP There should be no ego issue as both states are BJP ruled," he added.

In 2013, the Supreme Court had ordered the translocation of Asiatic Lions from Gujarat to Madhya Pradesh, stating that since the species is facing extinction, it needs a 'second home'.

However, the Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat governments are reportedly engaged in a legal battle over the same. The Rajkot-based NGO Wildlife Conservation Trust has also challenged the order.

A census carried out this month has fixed the lion population in Gir, Gujarat at 523. (ANI)