SC shifts Gujarat lions to MP

Apr 16, 2013 - Rashme Sehgal |

Age Correspondent

New Delhi

The Supreme Court on Monday allowed the relocation of Asiatic lions from Gujarat’s Gir forests to Madhya Pradesh, dealing a blow to Gujarat CM Narendra Modi, who had vehemently opposed this.
Mr Modi wanted the lions to remain at Gir as they were a symbol of “Gujarat’s pride”, and their departure would lose Gir the status of being the world’s only home of the Asiatic lion.
Several top environmental scientists pushed for relocating the lions, saying otherwise the 400 Asiatic lions at Gir could face imminent death due to inbreeding. This had happened with Tanzania’s lion population.
A two-member Supreme Court bench comprising Justices K.S. Radhakrishnan and C.K. Prasad has given the wildlife authorities six months to start shifting the lions to Palpur Kuno sanctuary. National Wildlife Board member Prerna Bindra said Gujarat had “done a tremendous job of reviving the lion population... but wildlife must not be seen as a regional heritage belonging to any one state”.

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Pune blast accused is convicted
Age Correspondent
Mumbai, April 15

Mirza Himayat Baig, the sole person accused in the German Bakery blast in Pune to be arrested, was convicted of all charges by the Pune sessions court on Monday. He has been held guilty of murder, criminal conspiracy, forgery and other charges under sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and the Explosives Act. The quantum of punishment will be pronounced on April 18 after hearing the arguments of the defence and prosecution.
Baig was arrested by the Maharashtra ATS on September 7, 2010 from Pul Gate bus stand in Pune’s Camp area. He is from Udgir in Latur where he ran a cyber café.

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