A migrant worker from Uttarakhand, Prakash Chand, was tragically killed in a suspected lion attack near Kovaya village in Gujarat’s Amreli district. Chand, who worked at a restaurant in Rajula, left his workplace unexpectedly in the early hours of the morning for unknown reasons. His remains were found near a thorny bush close to the UltraTech TPP power plant, where officials believe he was attacked by a lioness.
The Forest Department and police teams swiftly responded to the incident, discovering evidence of lion activity in the area and identifying a group of four lions. Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia expressed deep sorrow over the incident, extending condolences to the victim’s family. He emphasized the need for increased monitoring and patrolling to prevent such encounters in the future.
Reacting to the incident, Minister Modhwadia highlighted that Asiatic lions typically avoid conflicts with humans but acknowledged the possibility of unexpected behavioral changes. He assured that measures would be taken to balance human safety with wildlife conservation. The incident has reignited concerns in the Rajula region, part of the Greater Gir landscape, known for its growing lion population.
Local residents expressed anger over the incident, with the area around Kovaya village witnessing frequent lion movements. This incident marked the second fatal lion attack in the region within five days, leading to two human casualties. Rajula-Jafrabad MLA Hira Solanki raised concerns over the attacks and called for increased Forest Department presence in areas with rising lion populations. The Forest Department has heightened surveillance and patrolling in the Rajula area as investigations continue.
