Gandhinagar
The Gujarat government designated 1.84 lakh hectares around the Gir Protected Area as an ‘Eco-Sensitive Zone’ (ESZ) on Wednesday. This decision, which received approval from the Centre, aims to enhance protection for Asiatic lions and other wildlife in the area while also promoting sustainable development in surrounding communities.
Forest and Environment Minister Mulu Bera explained that the new ESZ encompasses 196 villages and 17 rivers across Junagadh, Amreli, and Gir-Somnath districts. It includes over 24,000 hectares of forest and 1.59 lakh hectares of non-forest land, with a buffer zone extending from 2.78 km to 9.50 km around the Gir Protected Area.
The Gir region is the last refuge of the Asiatic lion in Asia, and both state and Union governments have been utilizing advanced technology for their conservation. This new ESZ declaration enhances previous efforts by extending protection beyond the existing 10 km buffer zone.
It also facilitates better planning for local development while safeguarding wildlife. According to Minister of State for Forest, Environment and Climate Change, Mukesh Patel, the ESZ is crucial for lion and river corridors, vital for the movement of these big cats.
Additionally, Bera urged the forest department to crack down on unauthorized websites selling permits for Gir Safari, encouraging visitors to book through the official government site to avoid scams.
