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Lion deaths: Paresh Dhanani alleges laxity of Gujarat govt

He alleged that although the government knew that the disease had killed a large number of lions in Africa in the past, the vaccine for CDV was not brought in advance

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Paresh Dhanani
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Alleging that laxity on the part of the state government led to the death of 23 lions in Gir forest, leader of opposition in the state assembly Paresh Dhanani today sought explanation from Chief Minister Vijay Rupani on the “man-made tragedy”.

In a letter to the CM, Dhanani sought action against those responsible for failing to devise a proactive action plan to deal with Canine Distemper Virus (CDV), which is believed to have led to several of the lion deaths.

Earlier this month, the Indian Council of Medical Research had reported that CDV was responsible for the death of five lions, and also found active transmission of the virus in at least 21 lions.

He alleged that although the government knew that the disease had killed a large number of lions in Africa in the past, the vaccine for CDV was not brought in advance.

“The government knew that a vaccine is available to deal with CDV. However, we imported it only after 23 lions died because of the infection. Such last minute arrangement led to this man-made tragedy. Why didn’t we bring the vaccine well in advance?” Dhanani questioned in the letter. The Congress leader also said that the lions could have been saved had the vaccine been made available in advance.

“Action must be taken against those who were responsible for the tragedy,” the Congress leader demanded.

He asked Rupani to probe whether the unavailability of vaccine was a “conspiracy”.

Referring to provisions of Gir Management Plan for conservation of lions, Dhanani alleged that senior forest officials were not carrying out their duty properly.

He claimed that the plan mandates that officials need to walk inside the protected forests for at least 50 km in a month.

“In reality, officials hardly follow this provision of conducting foot patrolling. They only roam around in vehicles. As a result, health status of lions living inside deep forest is not known immediately,” Dhanani claimed.

Referring to a 2013 Supreme Court judgement asking the state government to find a new home for lions, Dhanani asked Rupani what steps his government had taken since then in that regard. He alleged the state government had only given assurances to the Supreme Court, but failed to undertake any concrete step to save the lions.

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