Eco-sensitive zone in Gir: Forest dept raises awareness via meetings, leaflets

Rajkot: Amid ongoing resistance by villagers against the proposed eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) around Gir, home to Asiatic lions, the forest department has begun distributing leaflets to address misconceptions.

Forest officials claimed that certain vested interests were exploiting farmers, inciting them against the ESZ for personal gain. Residents of 196 villages that would be part of the ESZ have held rallies and submitted memorandums demanding the cancellation of the notification, fearing that their rights would be restricted and they’d be controlled by the forest department.

Aaradhna Sahu, Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife Circle), Junagadh, released a video to clarify concerns. She stated that while activities like commercial mining, stone quarrying, and crushing units would be restricted, there would be no limitations on mining for personal use. Regulated activities would include hotels and resorts, while rules regarding tree cutting and vehicle movement would remain unchanged. She emphasized that the forest department would promote initiatives such as rainwater harvesting, organic farming, green technology, and agroforestry in the ESZ.

The forest department assured farmers and villagers through leaflets that their activities would not be restricted, and the government would provide a special budget for area development. Rajdeep Jhala, Deputy Conservator of Forests, Gir East, said that leaflets were being distributed in public places like markets and religious sites, and door-to-door in taluka areas such as Dhari, Khambha, Una, and Gir Gadhada. He also noted that some people were using farmers for their own benefit, but the ESZ would not affect farmers’ livelihoods.

The department aims to distribute 20,000 to 22,000 leaflets in the Gir East and West divisions. Field staff have been instructed to hold small meetings with villagers to address their concerns. The ESZ around the Gir Protected Area now extends from 2.78 km to 9.50 km, covering 2,061.77 square kilometers, a reduction from the 2016 gazetted area.