Question : Transfer of Asiatic Lions

(a) whether the State Government of Madhya Pradesh has sought ‘immediate’ transfer of Asiatic lions from Gujarat to one of its sanctuaries;
(b) if so, reaction of the Union Government thereto;
(c) whether translocation of lions from Gir forest in Gujarat to Madhya Pradesh’s Palpur Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary has been delayed for over three years despite Supreme Court’s order;
(d) if so, whether the concerns raised by the Gujarat Government over non transfer of the lions to Madhya Pradesh has been rejected by the State Government of Madhya Pradesh; and
(e) if so, the steps proposed to be taken by the Government to direct Gujarat State administration to transfer Asiatic lions to Madhya Pradesh’s Palpur Kuno sanctuary at the earliest?

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE

(SHRI ANIL MADHAV DAVE)

(a) and (b) No request for “immediate” transfer of Asiatic Lions from Gujarat to Madhya Pradesh has been received from the state government of Madhya Pradesh.

(c), (d) and (e) The matter of translocation of a few Asiatic lions from Gir National Park area to Kuno-Palpur Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh is a long term action starting from preparation of the translocation area in Madhya Pradesh for receiving the lions; selection of animals in Gujarat for translocation; and process for translocation including arrangements for soft release. The whole programme encompasses action for over 25 years.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has constituted an Expert Committee for planning and implementation of translocation of Asiatic lions from Gir, Gujarat to Kuno, Madhya Pradesh. The group includes representatives of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat.

The matter of translocation of lions to Kuno Palpur Wildlife Sanctuary, Madhya Pradesh from Gir National Park, Gujarat was the subject matter of IA 100 in WP 337/1995. A Writ Petition No. 1032/2013 has been filed before the Hon’ble Supreme Court challenging the order of the Hon’ble Supreme Court dated 15th April 2015. The matter is subjudice.

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