The state forest department is learnt to have prepared a draft proposal to this effect wherein it has recommended that villages where lions are sighted be listed as a site which tourists can opt for a dekko at the big cats.
What's more, forest department has committed it will share revenue earned as permit fee with the villagers.
Currently, the forest department charges Rs 4,850 as permit fee from a group of five tourists and one child. Officials said that it has been proposed to partake of 70% proceeds from the tourist permit issued for lion sighting with the respective village.
Legalizing shows to save lions
Here, 50% will go to the village panchayat for development and welfare programmes while the villager in whose farm or land the lion has halted and will host the tourist will get 20% as incentive.
“The idea behind proposing to legalize rampant illegal lion shows is to end dangerous practices involving wildlife and enable the forest department to keep a watch on movement of big cats in revenue areas. This will also help boost lion conservation in revenue areas outside Gir sanctuary,” said Shyamal Tikedar, principal chief conservator of forest (wildlife).
Around 10 lion shows are held in 250-odd villages daily in five districts — Junagadh, Amreli, Bhavnagar, Gir Somnath and Porbandar.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/lion-safari-outside-gir-state-seeks-to-legalize-illegal-shows/articleshow/73836417.cms
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