Fact of Gujarat High Court pulls up forest department, Railways
The Gujarat High Court pulls up forest department and Railways for their inaction in preventing lion deaths due to train collisions. Despite previous court orders and multiple lion fatalities, the authorities have failed to implement effective measures. The court expressed its disappointment over the lack of a proper inquiry into recent deaths and the absence of adequate fencing to prevent lions from entering railway tracks. Show-cause notices have been issued to the Forest Department, demanding explanations for the continued negligence.
High court: Gujarat High Court pulls up forest department, Railways
- From the above-noted facts, it is evident that the Railway authorities and the Forest Department, have not been able to control the situation and they have failed in their duties to ensure compliance with the directions of this Court so that the death of the Lion through train collusion is avoided to the extent that there is no such incident. The two incidents occurred in a short period of one week or so, showing the approach on the part of the Railway authorities as well as the Officials of the Forest Department. The Chief Conservator of Forests, Wildlife Circle, Junagadh, in his affidavit, has submitted a response to the various directions given by us in the last order dated 12.07.2024 point-wise, but as to how he proposes to ensure compliance with the directions given by this Court that no such incident occurred on the Railway track, there is complete silence in the affidavit.
- The aforesaid issues shall also be brought before the High-Level Committee constituted in compliance with the order dated 23.04.2024 passed by us, since, the responses of the Officials of the Railways and Forests Department are not to the satisfaction of the Court.
Let this matter be posted on 30.08.2024 to bring on record. the strict compliance of the directions contained in the order dated 12.07.2024, and the reply of the Chief Conservators of Forests, Wildlife Circle, Junagadh to the notice issued by us
Conclusion
The Gujarat High Court has once again reprimanded the Forest Department and Railways for their inaction in preventing lion deaths due to train collisions. Despite multiple incidents and court directives, there’s been a lack of concrete measures to safeguard the endangered species. The court expressed deep disappointment over the absence of inquiries into previous deaths and the slow progress in implementing safety protocols. The onus is now on the authorities to demonstrate tangible efforts to protect the lions.