Akhilesh Yadav’s pet lion safari project in Etawah come under scanner as Forest, environment and zoo Minister Dara Singh Chauhan said that he is getting feedback from the officials regarding this project.
“I have come to know about splurge of Government money in setting up lion safari in Etawah. I have asked a report from officials. If something is found amiss this Government will order a probe into this project,” Chauhan told The Pioneer.
lion Safari in Etawah was a dream project of former Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav. government where lions from Gir forest were brought for rehabilitation. But after the death of a couple of lions and their cubs questions were raised about efficacy of the project. The then Chief Minister had also summoned Vet experts from london to cure ailing lions but even that did not save the big cat.
The Minister said that he has heard about huge investment in that project but there is no return so far. “let’s see whether this project is feasible or not. If officials say it is not feasible we will take a decision accordingly,” he said.
When asked about lions facing starvation in zoological parks across the State and even in Etawah lion safari following crackdown on illegal slaughter houses the Minister said that no animal will be allowed to die in absence of meat. “Initially we fed these animals chicken and goat meat. The arrangements are being made to get buffalo meat from legal abattoirs in Unnao,” he said.
Animals are fed buffalo meat in zoos and lion Safari. In lucknow zoo consumption of buffalo meat is around 150 kg while in in Etawah zoo consumption of 34 kg. Justifying crackdown on the illegal slaughter houses he said that party’s manifesto is clear about closing down all illegal slaughter houses and meat shops. “Those people who want to run their business should get their licenses renewed. This Government will not allow slaughter of animals in the gullies (lanes),” he said.