No New Forest Cover Added in 20 Years, Gujarat Leads Forest Diversion Proposals: Experts

Gujarat has not added any new forest area in the past 15–20 years while submitting around 1,560 proposals to divert forest land for industries and other projects, wildlife experts and environmentalists claimed at a convention in Junagadh on Sunday.

The convention, held at Bhavnath Taleti near the Gir, brought together representatives of wildlife conservation NGOs, environmentalists and retired forest officials from across Gujarat to discuss growing threats to the Gir ecosystem and the long-term survival of the Asiatic lion.

According to figures presented at the convention, Gujarat has submitted about 1,560 proposals for the diversion of forest land—the highest number by any state in the country. Participants also claimed that nearly 15% of all such proposals in India originate from Gujarat.

Experts Raise Concerns Over Lion Habitat

Wildlife experts said the state’s focus on the growing population of Asiatic lions has not been matched by efforts to expand their habitat.

Romin Vyas, advocate and member of the State Board for Wildlife, chaired by the Chief Minister, said increasing lion numbers alone would not ensure the species’ long-term survival without adequate forest habitat.

“Increasing the lion population alone is not enough if adequate forest area is not created to support their long-term survival,” Vyas said, describing the absence of any expansion in the state’s forest area over the past 15–20 years as a matter of serious concern.

The convention focused on the pressures facing the Gir forest ecosystem, with participants calling for greater emphasis on expanding and protecting forest habitat alongside wildlife conservation efforts.