In a fortunate turn of events, the life of a lion was spared on the Rajula-Pipavav railway track in Junagadh district, Gujarat, thanks to the quick response of a vigilant loco pilot. The incident occurred when the lion was crossing the railway track, oblivious to an approaching goods train.

The alert loco pilot spotted the lion and immediately applied the emergency brake, bringing the train to a halt just in time to avoid a tragic collision. The lion safely crossed the track, unharmed, due to the prompt action of the loco pilot.

Following the incident, the loco pilot informed the Rajula Station Master and, with approval, halted the train for about 10 minutes before proceeding. This incident underscores the importance of vigilance and quick action by railway staff to prevent wildlife accidents on railway tracks.

This incident comes after a recent tragedy where a lion lost its life on the same track. In response, the High Court had instructed the Railways and Forest Departments to increase vigilance. The swift action of the loco pilot demonstrates the effectiveness of such measures in ensuring the safety of both wildlife and train passengers.

Ahmedabad – In a surprising turn of events, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Bhupatbhai Bhayani, representing the Visavadar seat in Junagadh district, tendered his resignation from the post of MLA on Wednesday. Bhayani, known for his service to the public and recognition for deploying 108 ambulances in the area, was one of the five AAP MLAs in Gujarat.

The news of Bhayani's resignation had been circulating since Tuesday, following his meeting with BJP state president CR Patil. Bhayani had emerged victorious in the last assembly elections, defeating Harshad Ribadia in a closely watched contest.

Early on Wednesday, Bhayani formally submitted his resignation to Assembly Speaker Shankarbhai Chaudhary, who promptly accepted it. In a media interaction, Bhayani, emphasizing his nationalist stance, revealed his earlier association with the BJP, where he had served as a worker for 22 years. The decision to resign from AAP, according to Bhayani, stemmed from a lack of a suitable platform and the need for timely political decisions.

Bhayani clarified that his move was not influenced by external pressure and hinted at the possibility of rejoining the BJP. Reflecting on his political journey, he noted his suspension as a BJP worker but stressed that it was a constitutional post.

As speculations rise about Bhayani's potential shift to the BJP, the political landscape in the Visavadar constituency takes an intriguing turn, leaving many to ponder the implications of this unexpected resignation.

Junagadh, Gujarat - The Leeli Parikrama, a five-day religious pilgrimage around the Girnar Mountain in Junagadh, Gujarat, has witnessed a record-breaking turnout this year. As of Saturday, the third day of the Parikrama, over 12.25 lakh devotees had completed the circumambulation, surpassing last year's numbers.

The Parikrama, which takes place annually between Kartik Ekadashi and Kartik Purnima, is considered a sacred pilgrimage for Hindus. It is believed that completing the Parikrama with full faith and devotion can cleanse one's sins and bring blessings.

This year's Parikrama has been particularly special, as it is the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic that the event is being held in its full form. Devotees from all over India have flocked to Junagadh to participate in the Parikrama, creating a vibrant and energetic atmosphere.

The administration has made elaborate arrangements for the Parikrama, including food, water, and accommodation facilities along the 36-kilometer route. Special attention has been paid to safety, with over 130 police officers and 2,800 home guards deployed to ensure the security of the devotees.

Despite the large crowds, the Parikrama has been peaceful and well-organized. Devotees have been seen walking with full devotion, chanting hymns and singing religious songs. The air around the Girnar Mountain has been filled with the sounds of prayers and blessings.

Leopard Attack

In a tragic incident, an 11-year-old girl was killed by a leopard on the second day of the Parikrama. The incident has cast a shadow over the event, but devotees have expressed their determination to continue the Parikrama despite the risks.

The Forest Department has taken steps to prevent further attacks, deploying teams of forest guards and trackers along the Parikrama route. Devotees have been advised to stay in groups and avoid walking alone at night.

Plastic-Free Parikrama

This year, the administration has also launched a campaign to make the Parikrama plastic-free. Devotees have been urged to bring their own reusable water bottles and avoid using disposable plastic items.

The campaign has been well-received by the devotees, who have shown a willingness to make the Parikrama more environmentally friendly.

A Journey of Faith and Tradition

The Leeli Parikrama is more than just a religious pilgrimage; it is a journey of faith, tradition, and community. Devotees from all walks of life come together to participate in the Parikrama, creating a bond that transcends differences of caste, class, and religion.

The Parikrama is a reminder of the power of faith and the importance of community. It is a testament to the enduring spirit of Hinduism, which continues to inspire and guide millions of people around the world.

Junagadh : In a tragic incident, an 11-year-old girl was mauled to death by a leopard during the annual 'Lili Parikrama', a religious pilgrimage around the Girnar mountain in Junagadh district of Gujarat. The incident took place on Friday morning when the girl, identified as Payal Sakhan, went into the nearby bushes to defecate while on the pilgrimage route.

According to Payal's maternal uncle Babubhai, the leopard grabbed Payal by the mouth and dragged her into the forest. Hearing the commotion, the family members rushed to the spot but could not save the girl. Forest department officials were informed immediately, and a search operation was launched. The girl's body was found later in the day, about 50-70 meters away from the spot where the attack took place.

The forest department has deployed a team to track down the man-eating leopard and has warned people not to venture into the forest area except on the designated pilgrimage route.

Forest Department to Compensate the Family

The forest department has announced compensation of Rs. 4 lakh to the family of the deceased girl. The department has also assured the family that all possible measures will be taken to prevent such incidents in the future.

Man-Eating Leopards a Growing Concern

Man-eating leopard attacks have become a growing concern in Gujarat, particularly in the Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary. In 2020, there were four leopard attacks on humans, of which two were fatal.

The forest department has attributed the rise in man-eating leopard attacks to habitat loss and the depletion of the leopard's natural prey. The department has been taking steps to address these issues, including increasing forest cover and providing alternative food sources for leopards.

Villagers Demanding Action

Villagers in the area are demanding immediate action from the forest department to prevent further leopard attacks. They have called for the installation of solar lights along the pilgrimage route and the deployment of more forest guards.

The forest department has assured the villagers that their concerns will be addressed. The department is also working with local communities to raise awareness about leopard conservation and to reduce human-animal conflict.

Junagadh, Oct 16 (IANS) Over 40 passengers were hurt when a major road accident occurred near Wana village of Lakhtar taluka when a state bus that was en route to Junagadh from Deodar, overturned in the wee hours of Monday.

"While most passengers suffered minor injuries, two were critically wounded and are currently receiving medical attention," stated BJP MLA Jagdish Makwana.

Investigating Officer Nitindan Gadhavi stated, “A state transport bus carrying police trainees returning from their Deputy Section Officer exam met with an accident. Early findings indicate that driver negligence was the primary cause of the mishap.”

“Our immediate focus was on transporting the injured to medical facilities. An investigation into the cause of the bus overturning is ongoing. Most of the injured are now at Surendranagar hospital, while one individual has been sent to an Ahmedabad hospital,” an official said.

Junagadh, Aug 22 (IANS) In a move aimed at community engagement and enhancing tourism experiences, the Forest Department in Junagadh has initiated a circular, inviting residents from 17 nearby villages to participate in running open Gypsy car services for jungle safaris, enabling visitors to spot lions in their natural habitat.

The identified villages include Bhojde, Chitrod, Sangodra, Bhalchhel, Haripur, Najapur, Chhatariya, Surajgadh, Chitravad, Hiranvel, Amrapur Gir, Devgam, Jalandhar, Katrasa, Amrapaur Kathi, Gadakiya, Gundiyali, and Malanka.

The Forest Department has laid out plans to facilitate up to five gypsy cars per village for this endeavor. In case of a surge in applications beyond this limit, vehicle selection for forest operations will be determined through a lottery system.

With the continuous rise in the issuance of permits to visitors eager for jungle safaris, there arises an escalated demand for suitable vehicles to accommodate these explorations. In light of this necessity, the Forest Department has turned to the nearby local villages to bolster the availability of Gypsy open cars for these captivating safaris.

Junagadh, July 24 (IANS) A three-storey residential building collapsed on Datar road in Gujarat's Junagarh district on Monday and three persons are feared trapped under the debris, a government official said.

Rescue operation was underway by fire brigade and police. 

Additional Collector P. G. Patel said, "Upon receiving information about the incident, the District Collector, MLA, and Deputy Mayor promptly arrived at the location. As of now, we have three ambulances on-site, and rescue operations are underway with the assistance of JCBs."

"The building in question was quite old and being used for residential purposes," Patel added.

"At this point, we fear that two-three people might be trapped, but further information will surface as the rescue efforts continue," he said.

"We are well-equipped with 108 services and other emergency response teams, while the Civil Hospital stands ready to handle any potential casualties."

Authorities are urging residents to stay clear of the area to allow the rescue teams to carry out their tasks effectively.

Junagadh, July 8 (IANS) A 15-year-old boy was seriously injured after he was attacked by a lion at the Gir sanctuary in Gujarat's Junagadh district.

Vikram Chavda, the victim, was escorting his livestock towards a water source in Bagoya village, which is part of the Rajapra forest round in Visavadar taluka, when he was attacked by a lion. The incident took place on Friday. The boy is still recovering at the hospital.

Deputy Conservator of Forest, Gir (West), Prashant Tomar, said that Vikram and other cattle herders inadvertently disturbed a lion and lioness during their mating act. This provoked the lion to attack the boy from behind.

The lion fled when the other cattle herders raised an alarm. The commotion drew the attention of forest personnel, who were prompt to arrive at the scene. The injured teenager was immediately transported to the health centre in Visavadar for emergency treatment.

The boy sustained injuries on his hip and back that required eight stitches. After preliminary treatment, Chavda was referred to the Junagadh civic hospital for further medical attention.

Junagadh, June 18 (IANS) The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) on Sunday sought an investigation into the alleged participation of minors in the violent protest in Gujarat's Junagadh.

On the preceding Friday, a protest was launched against the decision of the Junagadh Municipal Corporation to dismantle a local mosque. One civilian was killed in the clash which saw stones being thrown at the local police force.

The NCPCR stepped in after viewing a video circulating on social media that seemed to show several children participating in the unrest, including pelting stones. Consequently, the commission has sought an action taken report from the Junagadh SP within seven days.

The mosque near Majewadi Gate had been issued a notice by the Municipal Corporation as part of their anti-encroachment measures. The absence of any response from the mosque administration and lack of ownership documents led the Corporation to decide to dismantle the structure.

This decision sparked an immediate response as approximately 500-600 individuals gathered near the mosque. Despite efforts by law enforcement to mediate and prevent the blockade of roads, the situation escalated when stones were thrown at the police around 10.15 p.m.

Superintendent of Police, Ravi Teja Vasamsetty, said, "Police responded with a lathi charge to disperse the crowd, resulting in injuries among the police personnel. 174 individuals have been apprehended. We're awaiting a post-mortem report to confirm the cause of a civilian's death. An extensive investigation is in progress."

Following the outbreak of violence, police forces have been deployed in the area to maintain law and order. The conflict resulted in injuries to the Deputy Superintendent of Police of Junagadh, three sub-inspectors, and two other officers, who are now reportedly stable.

Junagadh, June 17 (IANS) One person was killed and 174 others were detained after a violent protest broke out between a mob and police in Gujarat's Junagadh over an anti-encroachment operation.

The protest on Friday night reportedly erupted in connection to an eviction notice served by the Junagadh Municipal Corporation to a local mosque, demanding for document submission within five days.

The notice was in relation to illegal construction allegations made againstthe mosque.

Due to a lack of response from the mosque after the five-day period, the Corporation proceeded with its action.

As a team from the Municipal Corporation arrived at the site to issue a demolition notice on Friday evening, a crowd of approximately 500 to 600 people gathered in opposition.

Junagadh Superintendent of Police, Ravi Teja Vasamsetty stated that the situation escalated at around 10.15 p.m. when the crowd began pelting stones at the police and set several vehicles ablaze.

To control the rapidly deteriorating situation, the police were forced to resort to lathi charge.

"Police personnel got injured in this incident. A total of 174 people have been rounded up. A civilian has died prima facie due to stone pelting but it will be clear after the post-mortem report. Further investigation underway," said Vasamsetty.

Following the outbreak of violence, a large reinforcement of police officers was deployed to the area to restore order and control the situation.

On May 27, 2023, local officials in Junagadh had executed a removal operation targeting unlawful encroachments, despite protests.

A total of 176 illegal mazars, along with 18 additional religious sites, have been dismantled to date.

Local sources note that about eight bulldozers were brought in to facilitate the removal operation within the Uparkot section of the city.

The operation comes in line with the state government's decision to refurbish the Uparkot Fort in Junagadh, an initiative projected to cost Rs 70 crore.

Residences unlawfully established on the encroached lands have also been dismantled.