Gir: The Union government issued a preliminary notification last month to declare a total area of 184,466.20 hectares around the Gir Protected Area as an Eco-Sensitive Zone. This has led to opposition regarding the decision. Today, Forest & Environment Minister Mulubhai Bera clarified the doubts surrounding the matter.

Speaking to the media, Bera said, “Yesterday, the MLAs who met me did not express any anger; they came to discuss the points of the notification about prohibited activities. Some activities can be carried out after obtaining permission, while others do not require any permission. We discussed these points with them along with our officers.”

“The only request they made was that farmers should not face any trouble. As a result of this decision, there will be no difficulties for the farmers. Secondly, the Eco-Sensitive Zone has been in place in these areas for the past 8 years, and until its extent is finalized, a 10 km area has been notified as an Eco-Sensitive Zone, as per the Supreme Court guidelines, and people have been living there without any issues,” he added.

Bera further stated, “We have instructed Forest Department officers, including the District CFO, RFO, and field staff, to visit the villages and organize Gram Sabha meetings. These meetings have been taking place for the past 3-4 days, and it is being communicated that there will be no trouble for the villagers.”

When asked about the protests, including those from BJP leaders, the Minister said, “I have discussed these matters with the leaders, and if any issues arise during the 60-day period, the notification issued by the Centre provides a process to address grievances. So, if any valid grievance arises from locals and villages, they will be able to send these to the Central government.” DeshGujarat