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Rajasthan plans to introduce lions

JAIPUR: The mighty Asiatic Lions might make Rajasthan their home again as members of the Wildlife Conversation Board have suggested for lion reserves to be developed in the state under Project Lion. 

The suggestion was made at the 11th meeting of the Wildlife Board held under the chairmanship of chief minister Ashok Gehlot on Thursday. Few members floated the idea sighting Project Lion announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Independence Day. 

Lions once used to inhabit Rajasthan, however, extensive hunting made them extinct in the state by end of the 19th century. After nearly 150 years, the wildlife board members are getting optimistic of their return. “There is huge forest area in Kota that has no human settlements, especially near the city of Rawatbhata. It could be developed as an optimum site for reintroducing lions without challenges of human-animal conflict,” said Bharat Singh, MLA from Sangod Kota and member of the board.

Rajasthan has made considerable progress in conservation of tigers and the population of the big cats has increased in Ranthambore reserve. Many of these have been relocated to habituate Sariska and Mukundra reserves.

The state forest department is also working for reintroducing cheetah and lions may also follow the lead. Expert claimed in 1998 the Rajasthan government prepared a report and handed it over to the Centre mentioning that Darrah sanctuary near Kota and Sitamata sanctuary near Chittorgarh were potential sites for population expansion. 

Meanwhile, the chief minister expressed need to prioritise forest and environment conservation activities. He asked officials to develop time-bound programme and directed for the board meetings to be held more frequently to ensure discussion on issues.

The board was first constituted in 2010 to suggest the state government on issues related to wildlife conservation. The board was reconstituted in February this year after which it held the first meeting on Thursday. Because of Covid, CM chaired the meeting from his residence along with forest and environment minister Sukhram Vishnoi, chief secretary and other senior bureaucrats from forest and other departments.


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