Girnar Stairways Declared ‘Silence Zone’ to Prevent Human-Lion Conflict

Junagadh: The Junagadh district administration has declared the New Stairs, Old Stairs and Datar Stairs leading to Girnar as “Silence Zones” following the recent human-lion conflict in the area. The move aims to ensure the safety of pilgrims and protect wildlife.

The notification, issued by Prant Officer Nikunj Kumar Ghula under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, follows a decision taken at a meeting chaired by the state’s Forest and Environment Minister on July 13 based on a proposal from the Junagadh Forest Department.

Under the order, the use of loudspeakers, DJ music, bhajan-kirtan with amplification, slogans, musical instruments, music systems, and loud music on mobile phones has been banned on the designated routes. Any activity causing unnecessary noise that could disturb wildlife is also prohibited.

Girnar, a major pilgrimage centre for Hindus and Jains, attracts thousands of devotees and tourists daily, with footfall increasing after the ropeway became operational. Authorities said excessive noise can disrupt the natural behaviour of wildlife, particularly lions, increasing the risk of human-wildlife conflict. DeshGujarat