Apart from a host of measures, including vaccination of cattle and dogs in Dalkhaniya and other forest range in Amreli, the state government will also be keeping an eye to curb any illegal lion shows in and around Gir this Diwali.
It should be noted that as Gir Sanctuary gained popularity among tourists, illegal lions shows had become the norm with videos going viral about the lions shows where tourists and locals were seen teasing and harassing the animals.
The forest department on Thursday carried out a meeting with the Amreli district collector, the Superintendent of Police and other officials to decide a plan of action for the upcoming tourist season. "We will be cracking down on any illegal lion shows as well as hotels and homestays that are functioning illegally in the district," said DT Vasavada, Chief Conservator of Forest, Wildlife Circle, Junagadh
He said a regular joint patrolling will also be carried out by the police and the forest department too.
Aayush Oak, Amreli district collector said that they will be verifying the homestays and resorts that operate in the district. "Those that are registered with the tourist department will be allowed to function the rest will be sealed. Diwali, Christmas and New Year see a surge in visitors to Gir Sanctuary and since it is unable to meet the demand, many come to the forest range in Amreli in hope of catching a glimpse of the lion," said Oak.
He said joint patrolling will also be carried out to prevent any illegal lion shows and check posts will as lobe created for the same. He said the department has also decided to take upon campaign mode the drive to cover open wells. "We plan to finish it within three months," said Oak. He said that they have also sought help from the municipal corporation of Ahmedabad and Rajkot to help vaccinate dogs in the forest range. "There are around 300 dogs and 3 teams from AMC and CMC will be coming here. The teams have experience working in an urban setup and this is a forest and farmland area and it may take some time. We are looking at completing the drive in the next 21 days," said Oak. A mini hospital will also be established with the forest department's facilities for the same.
The forest department and Gujarat government had come under fire after the death of 23 lions in the Dalkhaniya range. While the forest department had initially blamed it on infighting and infections, tests and later revealed that several of the lions were suffering from Canine Distemper Virus infection.
PLAN OF ACTION
- Forest department officials on Thursday met Amreli district collector, and Superintendent of Police to decide the plan of action for the upcoming tourist season.
- Amreli district collector Aayush Oak said they will check the homestays and resorts that operate in district.
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