Gujarat’s pride
Following the death of 23 lions in Gir East, the Gujarat government has sanctioned Rs 250 crore for the conservation of Asiatic lions. The government has allotted the funds to set up a new range, build infrastructure, and recruit staff.
Gir is the only natural habitat of world-popular Asiatic lions.
A report prepared by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) confirmed the presence of Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) in 21 out of 27 lions. The report is available on ICMR website but the officials had not passed on the critical information to the Ministry of Forest and Wildlife or Gujarat forest department even 24 hours later.
To prevent such issues and address challenges faced in rescuing, treating and protecting Asiatic lions, the state government approved the conservation plan.
Confirming the news, Forest Minister Ganpat Vasava said, "Chief Minister Vijay Rupani has sanctioned a special fund of Rs 250 crore for several lion conservation-related activities. The plan which includes setting up new ranges, hiring additional staff, constructing rescue centres and building infrastructure for treatment will be implemented over next three years."
The government has approved the forest department's proposal for a full-fledged division called Shetrunji. Forest officials confirmed that the government has also approved the proposal to buy additional equipment including arms and communication devices.
When forest officials began finding the carcasses of lions in Dalkhaniya range, it soon surfaced that the range did not have enough staff to handle the crisis. A junior officer had been in charge as Range Forest Officer for over three years.
While there were only 16 employees against the sanctioned strength of 20 staff members, sources claimed that only four employees on the range. To mitigate staff crunch and carry out vaccination of cattle in the range, 14 foresters and three range forest officers were posted in Gir east division.
Currently, 33 lions have been rescued and quarantined for vaccination and treatment of Canine Distemper virus. Lions from Dalkhaniya and surrounding ranges have already been vaccinated. They have also been administered booster dose. Chief Conservator of Forest D T Vasavada said, "We are collecting random samples from lions in the wild as well."
Roughly 600 Asiatic lions live in the 850-square-mile expanse of the Gir sanctuary, a popular tourist attraction in Gujarat.
New features
● New conservation area about 109 sq km
● New check posts
● Strong informer network
● New tourism zones
● New communication equipment
● Arms for additional staff proposed for new division
● Rescue vehicles and a rescue centre
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