Gujarat CM Orders Intensive Monitoring After Lion Cub Deaths in Gir

Gandhinagar | Gujarat — Amid growing concern over the recent deaths of lion cubs in the Gir landscape, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Wednesday chaired a high-level review meeting in Gandhinagar and directed officials to intensify monitoring, surveillance, and preventive healthcare measures for Asiatic lions across the region.

The urgent review comes after four lion cub deaths were reported from different parts of Gir, triggering swift action from the Forest Department and veterinary teams. Authorities have isolated around 17 lions from the affected areas as a precautionary measure while continuous medical observation and treatment are underway.

“Protection of Gir’s Asiatic lions is a matter of pride and responsibility for Gujarat. Every possible step must be taken to ensure their safety and health,” the Chief Minister reportedly told officials during the meeting.

Principal Secretary of Forest and Environment Dr. Vinod Rao informed the Chief Minister that intensive health monitoring is currently being carried out within a 10-km radius of Gir Gadhada and Babariya regions. Officials said no symptoms of any contagious disease have been detected among the lions monitored so far.

The Forest Department has also expanded surveillance operations into revenue areas of Amreli and Bhavnagar districts, where daily health reports of lions are being compiled and reviewed by senior authorities.

As part of seasonal healthcare protocols during the onset of summer, forest officials have launched large-scale preventive medical interventions, including de-ticking operations and routine health checks for more than 350 lions in the Gir ecosystem.

Head of Forest Force and Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Jaipal Singh said expert veterinarians from Junagadh Veterinary College have joined the ongoing operation to strengthen treatment and monitoring capacities on the ground.

Wildlife experts believe the rapid response mechanism adopted by the Gujarat government is critical given the ecological and global significance of the Gir forest, the last natural habitat of the Asiatic lion.

“The immediate isolation and health surveillance measures are essential to prevent any potential spread of infection and to safeguard the lion population,” a senior forest official said.

The meeting was attended by senior government and forest department officials, who reviewed emergency preparedness, veterinary infrastructure, and ongoing conservation measures in the Gir landscape.