Lions to be brought to Madhya Pradesh from Gujarat: CM

Bhopal: Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan has hailed the Supreme Court’s decision for relocating Asiatic Lions from Gujarat to Palpur-Kuno Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh.
Expressing happiness over the apex court’s decision, Shri Chouhan said that proper arrangements have been made to rehabilitate and protect Asiatic Lions in Madhya Pradesh. Wildlife sanctuaries in Madhya Pradesh are safe and protected. He hoped that the number of Asiatic Lions will increase after getting a new habitat.
It is noteworthy that conducive atmosphere prevails in Palpur-Kuno Sanctuary in Sheopur district for rehabilitation of lions in accordance with their health and behaviour like their natural habitat.
Madhya Pradesh government had urged to relocate these lions to Palpur-Kuno Sanctuary last year.
It may be noted that while giving permission to relocate Asiatic Lions from Gujarat to Palpur-Kuno Sanctuary of Madhya Pradesh, the Supreme Court has observed that this specie is on the verge of extinction and needs a new habitat.
In its decision, a bench comprising Justice S. Radhakrishnan and Justice Chandramauli Kumar Prasad has given six months’ time to wildlife authorities to relocate these lions. At present, there are about 400 Asiatic Lions in Gir sanctuary of Gujarat.