Amreli Forest Officials Arrest Engineer in Lioness Death Case on National Highway
Forest officials in Amreli district have made a significant arrest in connection with the tragic death of a lioness on the Bhavnagar–Somnath National Highway. The arrested individual is a civil engineer employed with the Gandhinagar Police Housing Corporation, identified as Virendra Rathod, who was detained following a thorough investigation into the incident.
Details of the Fatal Collision
The lioness, estimated to be between three and five years old, was killed on the spot after being struck by an unidentified vehicle near the Nageshri toll plaza in Jafrabad taluka. The incident occurred two days ago, prompting immediate action from forest staff who rushed to the site upon receiving information. Authorities analyzed CCTV footage from the toll plaza to trace the vehicle involved, which ultimately led to Rathod's arrest.
Worrying Trend of Wildlife Deaths in Amreli
This incident is part of a disturbing series of wildlife fatalities reported along the same stretch of highway in Amreli district over the past 26 days. On January 4, another lioness lost her life after being hit by a vehicle near Hemal village. Subsequently, on January 25, a leopard died in a similar collision near Bala Ni Vav village in Jafrabad taluka. These three deaths in less than a month have sparked significant concern among conservationists and wildlife supporters.
Conservation Concerns and Official Response
Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) Viralsinh Chavda has emphasized the need for caution, stating, "We have urged motorists and drivers to drive cautiously and reduce speed while passing through wildlife-sensitive zones." He also noted that the driver responsible for the leopard's death remains untraced. Conservationists have alleged lapses in protection measures along the highway and are calling for increased deployment of forest staff and stronger safeguards to prevent further incidents.
Contrasting Incident in Gir Forest
In a positive contrast to these tragedies, a potentially devastating incident was averted in the Gir forest thanks to swift and coordinated action. Forest trackers, along with railway authorities, successfully intervened when a lioness and her three cubs were crossing a metre-gauge railway track within the forest. The trackers safely moved the animals away from the track before a train arrived, and the train pilot also acted alertly by halting in time, preventing a catastrophe.
This series of events highlights the ongoing challenges in wildlife conservation in Gujarat, balancing human infrastructure with the protection of endangered species like lions and leopards.
