Forest department fines 5 for illegal lion spotting in Gir

Surendranagar, Gujarat — In a stark reminder that Gujarat’s cherished Asiatic lions are not for private entertainment, the Forest Department has acted against five individuals caught attempting illegal lion spotting in the protected Kodiya Vedma area of the Khambha Tulsishyam range in Dhari Gir East. This decisive action underscores a growing alarm among conservationists about unauthorized intrusions that not only jeopardize the endangered big cats but also undermine critical conservation efforts.

The incident unfolded late on June 5, when forest patrol teams intercepted a car deep within the restricted Kodiya VD zone. The occupants, two from Bhavnagar and three from Khambha, had brazenly entered the forbidden territory without a permit, clearly seeking an illicit close-up encounter with the majestic predators. “Our teams are vigilant, especially in these protected areas, and will not tolerate any breach of regulations,” stated a senior Forest Department official involved in the operation, who requested anonymity. “These individuals were putting themselves and the wildlife at risk, and it’s a serious violation.”

Acting firmly under the provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, the Department imposed a hefty fine of ₹90,000 on the offenders. A formal case has also been registered against them, signaling that mere fines might not be the extent of the legal repercussions.

The allure of the Asiatic lion often leads to desperate and dangerous measures. Illegal lion sightings and unauthorized safaris have become an increasing concern in and around the Gir National Park, the last natural bastion of this magnificent species. Over the past few years, forest officials have documented numerous incidents of individuals and groups trespassing into restricted zones, often under the cloak of darkness and without proper authorization, all in pursuit of a fleeting glimpse of the lions.

“This isn’t just about disturbing the animals; it’s about disrupting their natural behavior patterns and exposing them to unnecessary human interaction, which can have long-term negative consequences for the pride,” emphasized a local wildlife conservationist. “The fines are necessary, but we need stronger deterrents and more community awareness to truly stamp out this dangerous trend.”

Past incidents highlight the persistent nature of the problem. In January 2023, eight individuals were caught staging an illegal ‘lion show’ in the Babariya range of Gir West, resulting in a collective fine of ₹1.2 lakh. Another alarming case in February 2022 saw a group of tourists from Surat booked for entering a protected forest zone in Amreli and attempting to provoke a pride of lions – all for social media videos. Similarly, in 2021, a local in Junagadh was arrested for organizing a paid ‘lion show’ for private guests, which led to heightened surveillance by the Forest Department.

Officials have reiterated their stern warning: strict legal and financial penalties will continue to be enforced against anyone found disrupting the natural habitat or endangering the safety of both animals and people. The Forest Department has also appealed to the public to shun unauthorized wildlife excursions and actively support the ongoing, painstaking efforts to protect and conserve the dwindling Asiatic lion population in the Gir forest.