Gir-Somnath Eco-sensitive zone protests

In a unique example of blending cultural festivities with political dissent, residents of the Gir area in Gujarat are incorporating their opposition to the proposed Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) into Navratri celebrations. Young girls in villages such as Limdhra, Haripur, and Khambha have been performing traditional garba while bearing banners that read: “Abolish Ecozone”.

The protests follow the recent draft notification issued by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change's (MoEFCC), which proposes the designation of 1,84,000 hectares (2,061 square kilometers) around the Gir forest as an ESZ. This decision would affect — and potentially restrict commercial and infrastructure-building activities in — 197 villages across Junagadh, Somnath, and Amreli districts.

Villages in the area have been staging demonstrations against the ESZ designation since October 2. Rallies in Mendara and Talala have drawn large numbers of farmers, while sarpanches (village heads) have passed resolutions opposing the ecozone. Children, like Jeel Barad, a Class 7 student from Bhojde village, have also been involved in these protests.

Voicing her concerns over the ESZ during a Navratri event, Jeel highlighted the disconnect between those creating rules “in air-conditioned offices” and the realities faced by local residents.

The Gir Protected Area, which encompasses several wildlife sanctuaries, is the last remaining habitat for Asiatic lions. While the ESZ aims to create a buffer zone for wildlife conservation, it has faced opposition from both ruling and opposition party leaders who argue it could hinder local development and livelihoods.

State forest departments draft site-specific proposals for Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZ) surrounding each Protected Area (PA) within their jurisdiction and send them to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). Once the Ministry reviews the forest department's proposal, it issues a draft notification, which gives the public 60 days to submit their suggestions, objections and other feedback. The draft is published in the Central government's official gazette at the end of the 60-day period.