Four booked for encroaching Gir Forest land for illegal lion show

Rajkot: The Forest Department has taken action against four individuals for encroaching on one hectare of Gir forest land near the Gadhiya Chavand sanctuary in the Dalkhaniya range, East Dhari Gir. The accused, allegedly cut down Kher and Teak trees, leveled the land, and created water ponds purportedly to host illegal lion shows. The forest department has registered a case this week and issued a summons under the Wildlife Protection Act.

The accused include Sarla Hasaliya, Shaifali Hasaliya, and Sachin Hasaliya from Rajkot, who are currently residing in the USA, and Najabhai Bheda from Rajgariya, Dhari. They reportedly encroached upon the forest land adjacent to their property in Gadhiya Chavand village, intending to develop a mango orchard. However, suspicions arose that their primary motive was to attract tourists with illegal lion shows.

The Deputy Conservator of Forest Gir (east), Rajdeepsinh Jhala, informed that the land encroached upon is revenue land, and investigations are ongoing to determine who managed this land. The accused family extended their agricultural land boundaries into the sanctuary. The Amreli district, including the Dalkhaniya range, is known for having a high density of lions, with approximately 150 lions inhabiting the area. The presence of water points indicates potential plans for lion shows, which are illegal. DeshGujarat