Gujarat’s prestige is found to be on a diminishing slide, as a survey states that the renowned forest area in Gir has reduced by an alarming 11% in the last 20 years.

‘Geovisualization and Spatial Analysis’, conducted through earth observation (EO) methodology at CEPT University in Ahmedabad, studied 182 sq km of the forest area around the Girnar temple, located on a mountain peak in Junagadh.

The analysis was conducted in three separate time frames ranging from 2000 to 2020 by Shraddha Shende.

The area was found to be spread across 171.64 sq km in 2000. However, it depleted with time to 167.44 sq km in 2010. Thereafter, its depletion succeeded further to 149.97 sq km by 2020.

This translates to a depletion of forest area from 94% to 83% in 20 years.

The elevation of the entire focus area was kept between 197 and 1,031 metres.

Girnar forest, and the trail of damage

A village with a population of 55 also comes under this area.

The Girnar forest area mainly consists of deciduous and thorny trees. Deciduous trees usually shed leaves in arid weather. Meanwhile, thorny vegetation is mostly found in areas with low water availability.

Notably, thorny vegetation comprises fewer leaves and is a preferred habitat for Asiatic lions, leopards, chital, sambar, different types of reptiles, endangered birds, and nocturnal animals.

Experts attribute this forest depletion to the development projects and stark colonisation in the surroundings of Gir Forest. Speculations are also drawn towards the Junagadh ropeway causing this depletion.

The influx of people visiting the Girnar temple has seen a stagnant rise following the Covid-19 pandemic.

A crowd of 13 lakh was registered in 2023 for the ‘Girnar Parikrama’. This number has dipped to 9 lakh this year. This ordeal produces more than 10 tonnes of plastic waste, contributing heavily to the harm to the ecosystem.

Also read:

Gir Eco-Sensitive Zone issue becomes a hot potato for Gujarat government

Gir Safari demand soars ahead of Diwali; hotel, resort prices double

Human Rights Commission to probe online booking of lion safaris in Gir