Lion cub killed in highway accident near Rajula

Rajkot: A one-year-old lion cub died on the spot after being hit by an unidentified vehicle on the Bhavnagar Somnath National Highway in Amreli district.

The incident took place late at night on Wednesday near Dataradi village in Rajula taluka. According to preliminary information, the cub was attempting to cross the highway when it was struck by a speeding vehicle.

The driver reportedly fled the scene after the accident.

“A team from the forest department rushed to the site after receiving information about the incident and took custody of the carcass for further investigation and postmortem examination,” said Chirag Amin, deputy conservator of forest (DCF), Shetrunji division.

The latest incident has intensified concerns among conservationists and local residents, especially as several lion and leopard deaths have previously been reported on the same highway stretch. Wildlife experts say the growing lion population in and around the Gir landscape has led to increased movement of lions near villages, farms, and highways.

Environmental activist Adhabhai Vaghe said, “The Amreli-Bhavnagar Somnath National Highway is proving dangerous for lions. Despite repeated accidents and deaths, authorities have not implemented strict and effective measures,” Vaghe said.

He pointed out that lions frequently move across roads along the Mahuva-Somnath belt in search of food and territory, increasing the risk of collisions, especially during nighttime traffic movement.