Thursday, January 23, 2014

Wildlife experts want train speeds curbed

23-01-2014
Wildlife experts want train speeds curbed
The Times of India
http://mobilepaper.timesofindia.com/mobile.aspx?article=yes&pageid=6&sectid=edid=&edlabel=TOIA&mydateHid=23-01-2014&pubname=Times+of+India+-+Ahmedabad&edname=&articleid=Ar00601&publabel=TOI

The death of two lionesses near Pipavav port has once again raised the issue of limiting the speed of the trains,especially considering the extending kingdom of Asiatic lions.

Wildlife conservationists say the speed of trains must be limited when they pass through areas which are now considered as lion corridors.As per lion census 2010,there were around 108 lions in Amreli district,of which around 50 are regularly seen in coastal areas of Rajula and Jafrabad.

This is a serious issue.There is an urgent need to limit the speed of goods trains that pass through wildlife areas in and around Pipavav port, honorary wildlife warden,Amreli,Vipul Laheri said.While lions being run over by trains are rare incident,large number of domestic cattle are frequently killed on the tracks in this region.We will soon take up the issue with concern departments,including district collectorate,port,railways and forest department, Laheri added.
Sources said in Gir Wildlife Sanctuary,the speed limit for trains is 10 to 30 per hour.Moreover,the trains dont run from 5.30pm to 9am.

Lions have permanently settled in coastal parts of Amreli.Lions in Rajula taluka are most disturbed wild animals due to industries and human habitation, Bhikhubhai Jethava,father of slain RTI activist Amit Jethava,said.

One of the lioness that was crushed under the train near Rajula

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