The Guns of Sasan Gir

Sasan Gir in Gujarat is famous for lion safari. In Railway network it falls within the jurisdiction of Bhav Nagar division of Western Railway. I was posted on Bhav Nagar division during early nineties. Railway bungalows are known for ample space and comforts of Raj era.  By far, the best bungalow I came to occupy in my Railway service was in Bhav Nagar. Double storey imposing wooden structure, with lawns big enough to play football and those fruit bearing row of cheeku and shareefa trees complete with lotus adorning pond. Not to forget a couple of outhouses. From main gate one had to walk or drive a real long pathway before you could come any closer to press the doorbell. 

On an annual inspection trip called ‘DRM Special’ we reached Sasangir at night. The DRM saw this young officer, with air gun present to receive us. We were all amused to see him the way he was so fondly holding on to his air rifle. 

The boss (DRM) couldn’t help asking this young officer as to why he was carrying the air gun? Pat came the reply “Sir often during nights the lions astray towards railway station area” Now DRM was further amused but nevertheless inquired “For heaven's sake, what do you propose to do to a lion with this air gun of yours?”    Our young officer’s spirits were not dampened by this squib, hence, he was not discouraged a wee bit; he replied “Sir the lion won’t know it is a real gun or an air gun”