Gujarat’s pride in danger? Approval of constructions, mining in Gir raise concerns
Boasted as the only abode for the Asiatic lions with claims of spending millions to save the rare habitat, the government of Gujarat contradicts itself by approving profitable projects in the habitat of the king of the jungle.The conservation of Asiatic lions in Gir Sanctuary is under serious threat due to contradictory policies of the Gujarat government. While crores are being spent on their protection, permissions for resorts, homestays, farmhouses. Allegations of illegal mining operations under government’s nose within the restricted area have also been made. To accommodate such approvals, the state government has amended its guidelines, adding to the crisis. As a result, the reckless policies have put the lion population at risk, with an alarming average of 110 lion deaths reported annually.In 2015, the state government amended the guidelines to permit the establishment of restaurants, resorts, homestays, and farmhouses in the area.The presence of solar projects, wind turbines, mobile towers, and safari parks in the sanctuary has pushed the lions away from their natural habitat. As a result, lions are leaving the sanctuary and moving towards urban areas. Uncontrolled mining and illegal construction have raised fears that Gir Sanctuary may lose its identity. In the past five years, 555 lions have died, with an average of 110 lions per year. Congress spokesperson Manish Doshi stated that construction activities in the sanctuary area would obstruct the wildlife corridor, increase human-animal conflicts, and fragment lion habitats.Also read:29 lions lost to unnatural deaths in Gujarat in last two years
Boasted as the only abode for the Asiatic lions with claims of spending millions to save the rare habitat, the government of Gujarat contradicts itself by approving profitable projects in the habitat of the king of the jungle.
The conservation of Asiatic lions in Gir Sanctuary is under serious threat due to contradictory policies of the Gujarat government.
While crores are being spent on their protection, permissions for resorts, homestays, farmhouses. Allegations of illegal mining operations under government’s nose within the restricted area have also been made.
To accommodate such approvals, the state government has amended its guidelines, adding to the crisis. As a result, the reckless policies have put the lion population at risk, with an alarming average of 110 lion deaths reported annually.
In 2015, the state government amended the guidelines to permit the establishment of restaurants, resorts, homestays, and farmhouses in the area.
The presence of solar projects, wind turbines, mobile towers, and safari parks in the sanctuary has pushed the lions away from their natural habitat. As a result, lions are leaving the sanctuary and moving towards urban areas.
Uncontrolled mining and illegal construction have raised fears that Gir Sanctuary may lose its identity.
In the past five years, 555 lions have died, with an average of 110 lions per year. Congress spokesperson Manish Doshi stated that construction activities in the sanctuary area would obstruct the wildlife corridor, increase human-animal conflicts, and fragment lion habitats.
Also read:
29 lions lost to unnatural deaths in Gujarat in last two years
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