In a significant conservation effort, the Union Government has issued a preliminary notification declaring 1,84,466.20 hectares surrounding the Gir Protected Area as an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ).  The ESZ will extend from 2.78 km to 9.50 km around the sanctuary, covering parts of Junagadh, Amreli, and Gir Somnath districts in Gujarat.

Forest and Environment Minister Mulu Bera highlighted that this declaration will enhance protection for the lion populations in these regions while also allowing for local developmental activities by reducing the ESZ limit from the previous 10 km.

The newly designated ESZ encompasses 196 villages, 17 river corridors, and four key lion movement corridors. It includes 24,680.32 hectares of forest land and 1,59,785.88 hectares of non-forest land, totalling 1,84,466.20 hectares.

The ESZ covers 59 villages from Junagadh, Visavadar, Malia Hatina, and Mendarda talukas in Junagadh district; 72 villages from Dhari, Khambha, and Savarkundla talukas in Amreli; and 65 villages from Una, Gir Somnath, Kodinar, and Talala talukas in Gir-Somnath district.

This action builds upon Gujarat's existing efforts to protect Asiatic lions, with 1,468.16 sq. km already set aside for lions and wildlife, including the Gir National Park, Gir, Paniya, and Mitiyala Wildlife Sanctuaries.

The Gujarat government, in collaboration with the Central government, continues to implement innovative projects and leverage technology for the conservation of Asiatic lions and other wildlife in the region.

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