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Phalguni Neogy
I read the recent article on GIR (THE LAST OF ASIATIC LIONS by
Bittu Sahgal). Being a Wild Life enthusiast I do support
preservation of endangered species. But why only endangered ones,
in fact, all species.
The article on GIR is really shocking and it shows the pathetic
state of affairs exsiting in our country. It's a mockery on wild
life activity and points fingers to all involved(especially the
politicians). The bureaucrats look only for their own benefit and
interest.
It's amazing and a real pity that the majority do not
understand the meaning of 'ecological balance'. This will lead to
disaster and our beautiful country might become a second 'Sahara'.
But it's not too late. We have to fight and overcome all obstacles
for saving all endangered species like the Asiatic Lion. Conveying
this message to others and drawing mass support is very important.
Syed Shaheer Jamal
This mail is in reference to the article 'THE LAST OF THE
ASIATIC LIONS' by Bittu Sahgal.
I was deeply shocked and hurt to read about the state of the
Gir National Park.I was always in the mistaken notion that our
wild life is being preserved perfectly and incidents related to
poaching are well taken care of. But I guess I was wrong.
We say that India is on the path to success with the Nuclear
test,s and multinational tie-ups with other countries.We blindly
follow the cultures and customs of the west neglecting our Indian
heritage, barely thinking about the consequences. We say, now
India is not a backward country .But is it true? To be modern
& advanced really marks progress, but it also means not to
forget the resource that has made us independent- mother Nature.
It hurts me to think that now we have to learn the ways ot
preservation from others. Countries like USA & France have
progressed not only by utilisation of such resources but also have
taken measures to preserve them. Why? Because they know that man
has been surviving just because of these entities. Conservation
& preservation is not just the job of a handful of people - it
is a job of all of us. Such things require not only awareness
& highlighting such issues but making people realise what
serious affects can happen. And definitely this requires a
collective effort.

What we lack is initiative and that too with ferociousness.
There are a number of organisations who are working desperately
and ruthlessly so that such disasters can be avoided. We just
cannot rely on them and avoid our duties. But I think the only way
is to bring such issues up to the govt. and make people know about
these incidents, so that extensive measures can be taken by the
govt. to avoid such situations and involving the people on a mass
scale to object to such practices. The new generation thinks a lot
differently from the older one. New ideas , new concepts & new
methodologies can be used to fight against such disorder &
chaos. This means the younger people should be given a chance to
come up .
I would also be forwarding this article to as many people I
can, so as to make them aware of what is happenning in Gir
National Park. Its high time we started caring about the
environment or else the after effects could take their toll and we
will then be left helpless.
Prasad
As an environment conscious citizen, I was deeply hurt to know
about the sad state of GIR FOREST. Let me thank you for
enlightening us on this issue. Other than the beuracratic and
political empathy, what endangers our ecosystem is public
indifference. People are content to watch discovery channel,
without contributing anything concrete. Of-course there are others
who are really interested in setting things right, but lack
direction and support. Please let me know how I can contribute to
further the cause of protecting the environment and our ecosystem.
M. M. Baig
I would like to thanks Mr.Bittu Sahgal,for his article "THE
LAST OF THE ASIATIC LIONS". It was a nice step to make people
aware of the environment and the endangered species. We all are
concerned about the issue, but don't know the steps we can take in
this regard. I'll be glad if I can do any thing to further this
noble cause.
Rajesh Srinivasan and Hemalatha Rajesh
The ASIATIC LIONS ARTICLE on IndiaWorld is simply superb,
expressing the feeling of Lions living there. I'm living in
Detroit Michigan, USA and would like to deliver few comments in
order to give a hand to you (we are two giving hands to you -
including my wife Hema).
I had studied in school about Gir and was aware of the Majestic
Lions living there. Subsequently I never got a chance to visit. A
strong lover of nature, I wish the Government would take strong
action against the acquisition. Sadly the worst parts of US
culture alone is exposed to the people of India, not what this
country is doing to protect Nature.
Few days ago it was mentioned in USA Today that the people are
suing the Government for using Preserved Land. Preserved land
basically earmarks tracts of land for future citizens and no one
is allowed to use that land for any reason whatesoever. People are
very conscious about that. There are many santuaries that are
nationalised in this country where habitation is not allowed.
(Mackinac Island on the northern part of Michigan is a great
example. Though human beings live here no vehicles are allowed
here.) Likewise there are plenty of Wildlife sanctuaries which are
nationalised and open to public. People are highly conscious about
preserving nature and their contribution to this end is over
whelming.
There are so many constraints and factors that we need to
consider and we cannot compare the two countries. USA is huge
landwise and sparsely populated compared to India. They can afford
to leave patch of lands for future use but in India we don't have
much space to live.
I'm not concluding with a suggestion and am expressing my
sadness at this. If there is anything we can do from here you have
two people to participate in a mission.
Please take care of Nature. Lions are our National Symbol.
God save them.
Bittu Sahgal replies:
Thanks so very much for your supportive messages. The Gir
Forests are a heritage for the future, not an inheritance to
be squandered by shortsighted profit seekers.
You can make a difference. Write to the Chief Minister of
Gujarat and to the Minister, Environment and Forests at the
Centre. Tell them that you want Gir and other such wilderness
areas protected for posterity. Also, get in touch with
organisations and individuals in your town who you know to be
working to save nature. Add your voice and your strength to
theirs.
Sincerely,
Bittu Sahgal,
Editor, Sanctuary Magazine,
602, Maker
Chambers V,
Nariman Point,
Mumbai 400 021
Fax:
022-2874380