25 Forest Trackers, Permanent Check Post Planned at Girnar After Fatal Lion Attack

The Gujarat Forest Department has announced a series of safety measures at Girnar following the fatal lion attack on an 11-year-old pilgrim, including the deployment of a permanent team of 25 forest trackers and the establishment of a permanent forest check post along the pilgrimage route.

The decisions were taken following a high-level review meeting convened in the aftermath of the incident.

Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia said the dedicated tracker team would remain stationed on Girnar Mountain throughout the year and maintain round-the-clock surveillance of wildlife movement in the area to minimise the risk of human-animal conflict and ensure the safety of pilgrims.

Permanent Tracker Team to Monitor Wildlife Movement

According to the Forest Department, the team of 25 trackers will monitor the movement of lions and other wild animals in and around the pilgrimage route and issue alerts whenever wildlife is spotted near areas frequented by visitors.

Authorities have also decided to establish a permanent forest check post on Girnar to strengthen monitoring and coordination during the pilgrimage season.

Girnar Stairs Declared Silence Zone

In a move aimed at reducing disturbance to wildlife, the Girnar and Datar staircase routes have been declared a "silence zone".

Officials said limiting noise and human disturbance near the forested stretches would help prevent animals from becoming agitated or straying towards pilgrim routes.

The measure is also expected to reduce the likelihood of unexpected encounters between pilgrims and wild animals.

Measures Follow Fatal Lion Attack

The safety measures come days after an 11-year-old boy from Kheda district was killed in a lion attack during the Girnar pilgrimage.

The victim, identified as Mayur Chauhan, had travelled to Girnar with family members and was reportedly walking ahead of the group near the 50th step of the main staircase during the pre-dawn hours when the attack took place.

According to forest officials, a lion emerged from nearby vegetation, dragged the child into the adjoining forest area and fatally mauled him.

Three Lions Captured Following Incident

Following the attack, authorities temporarily closed access to the trekking route and launched an intensive search operation in the surrounding forest.

A specialised forest team subsequently captured three lions from the area, including the animal suspected to have carried out the attack.

Officials said the lion believed to be responsible for the incident was identified during veterinary observation and monitoring.

The captured animals have since been shifted to Junagadh's Sakkarbaug Zoo for behavioural assessment and further examination.