The Gujarat High Court has taken decisive action to protect the endangered Asiatic lions of the Gir forest region from fatal train accidents. In a recent hearing, the Railways informed the court that a tender had been awarded for the installation of intrusion detection devices along railway tracks traversing lion habitats. The work on this project has commenced and is expected to be completed within a year.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal and Justice Pranav Trivedi was hearing a plea concerning the deaths of Asiatic lions on railway tracks near the Gir forest in Amreli district. The court was apprised that the intrusion detection system, approved by a high-level committee under the supervision of the Ministry of Railways and the Gujarat Forest Department, would be capable of detecting lion movements within a range of 10 to 15 meters. This system aims to provide real-time alerts to prevent collisions between trains and lions.
Advocate Ram Nandan Singh, representing the Railways, informed the court that the letter of acceptance for the project was issued on March 17, 2025, and the installation work is underway. Additional Advocate General Manisha Lavkumar Shah, appearing for the state, emphasized the significance of this system, describing it as a much-needed and effective measure to prevent lion deaths.
The court acknowledged the approval of the intrusion detection device by the high-level committee and noted that, since January, there have been no reported incidents of lion deaths due to train accidents. The additional advocate general mentioned that any incidents occurring were due to other causes, such as electrocution, and are being reviewed by the committee.
This development is part of a broader initiative to safeguard the Asiatic lion population in Gujarat. The high-level committee has been tasked with developing a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to ensure the safe movement of lions and prevent future accidents. Measures under consideration include imposing speed restrictions on trains during specific times, issuing caution orders in emergencies, constructing underpasses, implementing IT interventions, and providing training to railway staff.
The Gujarat High Court's proactive stance underscores the importance of coordinated efforts between the Railways and the Forest Department to protect the state's iconic wildlife. The successful implementation of the intrusion detection system is expected to significantly reduce the risk of train-related lion fatalities and contribute to the conservation of this endangered species.
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