Vantara did not initiate relocation of elephant from Kolhapur to Jamnagar: NGO
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India Today
2 hours ago
- India Today
What killed four Asiatic lions in 10 days in Gujarat?
The death of four Asiatic lions in the past 10 days—three cubs and a lioness—has cast gloom over Gujarat's Amreli district and the wildlife conservation community in the state. The carcasses were found in the Jafrabad-Rajula area, a satellite habitat beyond the core Gir National Park, sparking alarm among local people and conservationists forest department, tasked with safeguarding the world's only Asiatic lion population, has been thrust into the spotlight as questions abound about the cause of these minister Mulubhai Bera addressed the crisis with measured caution, stating: 'Three lion cubs died near Kagvadar village, and a lioness was found dead on the outskirts of Mandardi village. This is extremely unfortunate.' He emphasised that blood samples from three other lionesses and six cubs had been sent for testing, with preliminary reports suggesting natural causes of death such as anaemia or conservator of forests Dhananjay Sahu echoed this, noting that two cubs rescued earlier had succumbed to weakness and pneumonia and that no epidemic had been confirmed. The forest department also ruled out a viral outbreak like Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) for now, but testing continues at the Babarkot Animal Care Centre in Amreli district. Local people are sceptical. Many in Jafrabad and Rajula suspect a 'mysterious virus' akin to the 2018 outbreak that had claimed 25 lions in the same region. Fears of CDV or Babesiosis, a tick-borne disease causing anaemia and jaundice, run in the vicinity of the deaths are demanding swift action: a thorough investigation, increased veterinary presence and better infrastructure, including more rescue vehicles and water facilities for lions in the revenue MLA Hirabhai Solanki accused the forest department of negligence, pointing to an unopened rescue centre in his constituency. J.V. Kakadiya, the MLA of Dhari, wrote to minister Bera, urging a probe into possible viral causes and criticising the forest department's response as 'unsatisfactory'.The 2018 Gir outbreak remains a grim benchmark. In September-October that year, 34 lions died owing to disease outbreak and infections like CDV and Babesiosis. The forest department had responded by isolating the sick lions, vaccinating the healthy ones and enhancing monitoring, which helped curtail the epidemic.A similar CDV outbreak in Tanzania's Serengeti in 1994 had wiped out about 1,000 lions, underscoring the vulnerability of concentrated populations. These events highlight why experts advocate geographic dispersal to mitigate disease all brings us to the 2013 Supreme Court order, which mandated translocating Asiatic lions from Gir to Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh to create a second population, thereby reducing extinction risks from epidemics or disasters. Twelve years on, the order remains on officials have resisted, citing the state's conservation success and local identity pride in the lions. They argue that initiatives such as the Rs 2,900 crore Project Lion, approved in 2023, and translocation within Gujarat to the Barda Wildlife Sanctuary (about 100 km from Gir) address these experts argue that Barda's small size and low prey base make it inadequate for Asiatic lions while Kuno offers a better long-term solution. The Gujarat forest department counters the narrative by highlighting the lion population's growth and the state's model of human-wildlife this, the 2025 lion census paints a complex picture. Amreli district, including Jafrabad and Rajula, hosts 339 lions, a 45.5 per cent increase from 2020, reflecting robust growth of the population. However, 507 of the 891 lions in the state now roam outside Gir, increasing human-lion conflict and disease exposure in areas such as Rajula and Jafrabad. This expansion, while a conservation triumph, underscores the urgency of addressing health Amreli mourns its fallen lions, the tension between conservation success and emerging risks grows. The forest department's assurances clash with local demands for accountability even as the spectre of past outbreaks and an unheeded Supreme Court order loom to India Today Magazine- EndsMust Watch
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Time of India
Major breakthrough in Dharmasthala mass burial case: What was found?
News • 2 Weeks ago Jagdeep Dhankhar has suddenly resigned as Vice President, effective immediately, citing health concerns – two years before his term was set to end. This shocking move, coming right after the Monsoon Session began, has sparked intense speculation. Was it truly health-related, or was there more to his abrupt exit? Known for his outspoken views and frequent clashes with the judiciary and opposition, Dhankhar's tenure was tumultuous. From questioning Supreme Court rulings to allowing a motion for Justice Yashwant Varma's removal (after wads of cash were found at his home), his actions often stirred controversy. Now, the focus shifts to who will be the next Vice President of India. Names like Rajya Sabha deputy chairman Harivansh Singh are in the running, but social media is abuzz with other possibilities, from Nitish Kumar to Shashi Tharoor. The Constitution mandates that the vacancy must be filled "as soon as possible."
News18
4 hours ago
- News18
Vantara: Did Not Initiate Relocation Of Elephant Mahadevi From Kolhapur To Jamnagar
Last Updated: Vantara was not the initiating party, and that the entire process has been conducted under judicial and statutory oversight, in coordination with authorities, the statement said Vantara did not initiate or request the relocation of the elephant named Mahadevi from a monastery in Kolhapur to its facility in Jamnagar but served only as the 'court-appointed recipient facility", the Jamnagar rehabilitation facility said in a statement. Mahadevi, who was with a Jain monastery at Nandani in Maharashtra's Kolhapur district for over three decades, was relocated to the Radhe Krishna Temple Elephant Welfare Trust (RKTEWT) in Anant Ambani's Vantara's wildlife rehabilitation facility in Jamnagar, Gujarat, earlier this week following a court ruling. 'Vantara was not the initiating party, and that the entire process has been conducted under judicial and statutory oversight, in coordination with the appropriate authorities. The organisation acknowledged Mahadevi's deep emotional and cultural significance in Kolhapur, but it acted solely as a court-appointed recipient facility. The reasons for the transfer are fully documented in the judicial orders, which speak for themselves," reads the statement from Vantara. The Bombay High Court on July 16 ordered Mahadevi to be rehabilitated at Vantara's facility in Jamnagar, after concerns raised by an NGO with the Maharashtra Forest Department and the Supreme Court appointed High-Powered Committee (HPC) on her ' deteriorated health and psychological suffering". The Supreme Court on July 25 upheld the high court order. The matter is now listed for compliance reporting on August 11, 2025, the Vantara statement said. Mahadevi is suffering from several health issues, including foot rot, arthritis, overgrown toenails, and repetitive behaviours such as constant head bobbing, an indication of deep psychological distress caused by prolonged isolation. The issue led to a protest march in Kolhapur. According to Vantara, the elephant received expert care from veterinarians, behaviourists, and caregivers, freed from chains, treated for an untreated fracture and painful broken toenail, and given space, nutrition, and emotional support to heal physically and mentally. With PTI Inputs Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : anant ambani vantara view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: News india Vantara: Did Not Initiate Relocation Of Elephant Mahadevi From Kolhapur To Jamnagar Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
