Gujarat’s Gir Gets Eco-Sensitive Zone Status

Gandhinagar : The Central Government has issued a preliminary notification declaring 1,84,466.20 hectares surrounding the Gir Protected Area as an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ)—a proud moment for Gujarat. As per the notification, the Eco-Sensitive Zone distance from the sanctuary will range from 2.78 km to 9.50 km, according to Forest and Environment Minister  Mulubhai Bera.

Forest and Environment Minister emphasized that under the leadership of Prime Minister  Narendra Modi, the Central Government has implemented multiple laws to protect animals, including Asiatic lions. He highlighted that the newly declared ESZ will encompass 17 river corridors and 4 key lion movement corridors, further ensuring lion protection.

The eco-sensitive zone will include 196 villages from three districts: 59 villages from Junagadh district (Junagadh, Visavadar, Malia Hatina, and Mendarda talukas), 72 villages from Amreli district (Dhari, Khambha, and Savarkundla talukas), 65 villages from Gir-Somnath district (Una, Gir Somnath, Kodinar, and Talala talukas). This zone will cover 24,680.32 hectares of forest land and 1,59,785.88 hectares of non-forest land, totalling 1,84,466.20 hectares. By designating this area as an ESZ, the lion populations roaming in these regions will gain enhanced protection. Furthermore, by reducing the ESZ limit from the previous 10 kilometres, local developmental activities will see more momentum, the Minister added.

Minister of State for Forest and Environment Mukesh Patel noted that Gujarat has set aside 1,468.16 square kilometres for lions and wildlife, which includes the Gir National Park, Gir, Paniya, and Mitiyala Wildlife Sanctuaries. According to the Supreme Court and central government regulations, ESZs must be declared around these protected areas. Until an ESZ is officially notified, a 10-kilometer zone remains in effect as per guidelines. Thus, until now, a 10-kilometer zone was enforced around Gir. The state’s Forest Department submitted a proposal to the Central Government to declare an ESZ for Gir National Park, Gir, Paniya, and Mitiyala Wildlife Sanctuaries. Recently, the Government of India approved this proposal and issued the preliminary notification for the Eco-Sensitive Zone.

MoS  Mukesh Patel further explained that the Forest and Environment Department considered 10 years of radio-collar-based lion movement data, incidents of lions hunting their prey, important corridors, and river corridors in the villages around the Gir Protected Area when finalizing the new Eco-Sensitive Zone.