Gir forest authorities buckle up to control Diwali crowd
More than 5,00,000 tourists visit Gir every year
A 10-day alert will be declared by the forest department in Gir forest and nearby areas
Updated: Nov 7th, 2023
Days before Diwali vacation, forest authorities at Junagadh’s Sasan have become more vigilant in controlling the harassment of lions by tourists.
In order to manage the flow of tourists and their behaviour towards the fauna, an alert will be declared by the forest department in Gir forest and nearby areas between Nov 10-19.
During the 10-day alert, a 24-hour patrol of the forest department will be conducted. Leaves of forest workers have also been cancelled due to alert.
Gujarat, home to Asiatic lions
Gujarat today boasts of being the abode of 700 Asiatic lions, more than 5,00,000 tourists visit Gir every year, as per the data on the government website Gir Online Permit Booking System.
Locations including Sasan in Gir, Devaliya Park, Ambardi Safari Park in Dhari, Tulsishyam, Kankai and Banej Temples in Gir National Park, attract lakhs of tourists from all over the world.
Knowingly or unknowingly, tourists spend huge amounts for lion shows and illegal safaris for lion sightings.
To prevent such incidents, owners of hotels, farmhouses, resorts, and homestays around the Gir area were advised to be vigilant. Posters to educate tourists about behaviour were also showcased for public awareness. Meetings were organised with hotel owners and farmhouse managers in this regard.
Range-wise watch
Lions are inhabited in areas including Una, Girgadhda, Rajula, Jafarabad, Dhari, Khambha, Savarkundla, Visavadar, Sasan, Talala, and Mendara. Forest officials and local police will keep a close eye on elements performing illegal lion shows. The department is also working to prevent the harassment of lions in every village.
