His son fallen, Jethava’s father rises to dare

TheIndianExpress 1 DEC 2010

Bhikha Jethava, father of slain RTI activist Amit Jethava, is now leading a protest against two upcoming industrial projects in Kodinar on the periphery of Gir Wildlife Sanctuary.

Bhikha, a footwear merchant in Khambha village of Amreli district has written a letter to Union Minister of Environment and Forest Jairam Ramesh in this regard.

He has said the Simar Port Ship Yard at Chahara village and

Shapurjee Palonjee Thermal Power plant project at Kaaj village will prove disastrous to wildlife in the sanctuary.

“The Kodinar coastal forest is located under Jamvala forest range of Gir. Nearly 100 Asiatic lions are found on this belt, which will be in proximity to the proposed sites of the two projects. Industrial activities in the area will adversely affect the environment,” said Bhikha.

He said he is yet to get all the details of the projects, but is still raising the issue, as the site selection process is already over.

He added: “I have to take forward the mission that my son started. He sacrificed his life for wildlife and environment conservation. Now I am doing my bit.”

Bhikha is, however, not associated with the Gir Nature Youth Club (GNYC) founded by Amit. In a short span of few years, GNYC has successfully created awareness about wildlife and environment in Saurashtra.

“Amit’s friends and associates are now running GNYC. I have decided to work alone,” said Bhikha.

Amit (32) was shot dead from point blank range opposite the

Gujarat High Court in Ahmedabad on July 20, a few days after he had filed a PIL in the HC against alleged illegal mining activities in the periphery of Gir.

The Ahmedabad Crime Branch has arrested Pratap Solanki, nephew of Junagadh BJP MP Dinu Solanki in connection with the murder.