Illegal lion safari- a loophole better be sealed

Sasan Gir, the famous ‘Last Home of Asiatic Lions’ is populated by budding 411 remnants of these apex predators in 1412 km² of protected forest area. Once, the roar of these Asiatic lions dominated the jungles from Western Europe to India. However, rampant trophy hunting brought them on the brink of extinction, until they received the ‘Protected’ status from then Nawab of Junagadh in the early 19^th century. The current population of Asiatic lions is a result of tremendous conservation efforts from forest department, wildlife activists & NGOs, as once the numbers of these big cats were reduced to merely 15.  

The increasing numbers of lions in the protected forest area has made it congested. Consequently, the paws of lions are searching for new places outside protected area. The reports of lions seen outside the protected forest are not new anymore. The Sasan Gir lions have been found to visit the shores of Somanth and voyaging in unprotected forest areas near to human population. Though, these lions have been preying on domestic cattle since decades, their attack on human is yet very rare in Sasan Gir.      

  

The only ‘Social cat’ lions live in group known as pride which may comprise up to 20-30 members. Simultaneously with the populations, the numbers of prides have also increased. Further, it may also be assumed that the numbers of prides will rise gradually as significant numbers of cubs were observed in 2010 census. This increasing numbers of prides in protected area and subsequent competition for food have forced aggressively territorial lions to explore new territories outside their safe haven. 

The forest department provides limited permits to tourists who wish to see lions in their natural habitat; however, not everyone opting for this permitted safari gets to see them. Thus, every now and then, reports of some locals making income through promising and showing lions inside and outside protected forest area also come into light. In the purview of what happened to tiger population in few national parks despite of ‘Project Tiger’ and their protected status, it would be important for authorities to nip any poaching attempt from the bud in Sasan Gir. Further, increasing numbers of illegal safaris outside protected areas may result in to lions having less or no fear from humans. As observed in Africa, this may turn out to be a provoking practice as lions can start considering humans as a prey because availability of their natural prey is limited to scarce outside protected area. This picture might seem dark but the starting population of Sasan Gir lions was very low, therefore genetically they may not be much diverse from each other. Thus, infection from a contagious disease and immunity not able to fight it, may still wipe out the current population.  

As they say ‘Prevention is better than cure’, it is essential to keep watch and curb any illegal activities for the benefit of both lions and humans. In addition, shifting and reintroducing lions dwelling outside protected areas, to the regions where they use to roam and roar once should also be considered. We have completed Phase – I successfully by saving Asiatic lions from certain extinction. Perhaps, now is the time to start thinking about Phase- II, which should secure and restore them in their old habitats.    

‘Sadda Haq Ethe Rakh’- Are we day dreaming?

These words from recently popular soundtrack may very well coincide with the voice of India’s common man. After 64 years of liberation from British rule, the independent Indian is still begging for his basic rights such as ‘Roti, Kapda aur Makan’.   

Mahatma Gandhi once said that heart of India lies in her villages. It is true even today as 2011 census revealed that, despite of massive urban migration observed in last few decades, rural population of India is still nearly threefold higher compared to urban population. Thus, one can never understand or feel the real India staying in metro cities.      

The condition of rural areas in major parts of India is not unknown to any of us. Basic amenities such as 24 hour electricity, potable water, quality healthcare facilities, good roads, and schools may sound day dream for those who are the vote bank for governments post independence. It’s not that the governments have completely neglected them. The steps have been taken in the direction to uplift the rural areas through various schemes and programmes. Although, the questions today are ‘what has been achieved from them and is that satisfactory?’, ‘does it take 64 years to not even reach midway providing rural India with basic needs?’ & ‘are we developing with keeping the population explosion of this country in mind?’

We all know the answers of above question so it is better to leave the debate on that. This does not mean that we lose our right to question and compel the elected government to provide us with the promised and basic amenities to strengthen the rural infrastructure. And it is evident from our past that the democracy of India has certainly heard the voice of its people, however, acting upon it may be seen with an eye of skepticism & is altogether a different issue! 

On the other hand, question for us is ‘do we really want to change ourselves for good and co-operate the govt. for better future?’ The answer for this question will clog our minds with millions of thoughts regarding good and bad consequences. I am talking about the least debated but the most affecting problem of ever rising population of India. Any infrastructure developed will have minimum and maximum capacity for operating effectively and last for its expected span. However, the leaping numbers of Indian population means that the infrastructure developed today will be inadequate very soon due to its haphazard use and irregular maintenance in order to serve increasing numbers of beneficiaries.  

Globally we have surpassed 7 billion head counts in past few days and still counting. The population of India is well over 1.2 billion compared to mere 350 million at the time of independence. In addition, it is assumed that India will be crowned as the most populated country by 2030 dethroning China. These figures are worry some now but they will be frightening very soon. It is important to mention in the same context that the banned female feticide and abortion are yet practiced in the country as we come across this malice often through various Medias. 

Along with the authorities, it is also us who has to understand that resources do not increase with population. The irony of the situation is that, in the political circle not much has been spoken boldly regarding the issue and perhaps not a single political party wants to take up the cause which will lead to brighter future. It would be difficult but essential to maintain rising population due to decreasing death rate and increasing birthrate with the help of advancement in medical sciences. If effective plans, policies and education programmes reaching to masses are not formed now, such rise in population, limitation of arable land and limitation of other resources may lead us to a brink of irreversible disaster.       

Therefore, the bottom line is, along with saying ‘Sadda haq ethe rakh’, we also have to co-operate the authorities to make it happen and last for long. In  addition to govt. policies & efforts, it will have to be our determination & solidarity that will save our future from this visible menace. To fulfill our dream of better India, we can start thinking along these lines by leaving our comfort zone and cultural beliefs behind  .   

        

   

Fuel Price Hikes- Nightmare for Few, Opportunity for All

There is no doubt that 11 price hikes in last 12 months has certainly disturbed household budgets of middle and upper middle class in India. In different states and cities petrol price has been increased in the range of 10-12 Rs./ liter after decontrolling it last year. 

Today the price of petrol is 73 Rs./ liter and inflation in food prices is above 12%. Although, yet again arrogance of this govt. is quite evident as they don’t want to take any blame for the uproar after recent price hike. The govt. claims to have no control over price hike, however, it is well known that govt. is the major stake holder of petroleum producing companies. The govt. itself seems to be pretty well unorganized as finance minister indicating no control over price, prime minister denying rolling down the recent hike and petroleum companies indicating possible roll down in price hike if the govt. suggests. Even after facing the heat from allies and possibilities of losing support from them, govt. seems to be adamant on the issue.       

Every political party wants to take benefit of the situation but no one wants to talk about reducing the heavy tax imposed on petroleum products by central govt. and respective state govt. That should definitely ease some pressure from the back bone of common man. One thing is sure that just like other issues such as curbing food price inflation; this govt. has also failed to take the stock of the situation in this issue. It has failed and disappointed people in a very miserable way through its policies and decision makings. 

Anyways, the cry babies of the whole situation may be the petroleum companies, as they don't seem to have problem while distributing handsome dividends to their shareholders. Thus, their claims and reality seems to be contradicting each other. It is important to mention that India imports its approximately 80% of its fuel from OPEC nations, whereas, 20% is produced and refined domestically. Even for the benefit of its own citizens, diplomacy of India doesn’t want to purchase its crude oil from communist country such as Venezuela, which may be ready to provide petroleum at a cheap rate. Obviously, the reason is the influence of USA diplomacy in Indian politics and stronghold of USA in Gulf region! 

Let us forget the politics of petroleum price for a while and do some souls search of facts. All of us are very well aware that availability of crude oil is not certain even for this century. Oil producing countries have not updated the figures of their reserves in last 4-5 years. Thus, it is unclear that how much crude oil and natural gas is still available there to be excavated. The search for new reserves is very slow and full of uncertainty and we are yet to find and adopt eco- friendly alternatives for petroleum products. 

Although drastic increase of fuel prices in the last year, the number of car buyers are not declining. Even the cheaper alternative of fuel CNG is 50 Rs./ liter now. This may paint a picture that, because of economic growth India has seen in last two decades, the higher fuel prices seem to be constraint for few. 

In today’s time where global warming due to burning of fossil fuel and industrialization is widely debated issue, it is a high time that we as an individual start giving in our contributions to reduce the carbon foot print. Using public transport as and when possible, using bicycles or walking to buy groceries from nearby markets and using stairs rather than elevators once in a while are just few of the options we could incorporate into our routine. With the passage of time, these habits would not only save few bucks from your pocket but it will also keep you fit as the physical activity increases. It would also be essential to educate and inspire younger generations by such efforts in order to create environment friendly society which thinks towards saving earth.

The hike in fuel price is a nightmare for those who have no other alternative than bearing it. Although, it’s also a blessing for nature as fuel is costing a lot on our pockets and making us to use or think for cheaper and eco-friendly alternatives. It is time we start acting like responsible species and take positive out of this miserable situation to save our home called ‘Earth’.