Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Financial Assistance to Project Tiger

29-08-2011
Financial Assistance to Project Tiger
PIB
http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=75261

An amount of Rs. 674.541 lakh has been sanctioned during 2010-11 for the State Government of Gujarat for conservation of lions under the project 'Consolidating long term conservation of Asiatic Lions in Greater Gir Region' under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme-'Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats'. In addition, this Ministry in the past also has been providing financial assistance to the Government of Gujarat for management of Gir Sanctuary under this scheme. Details of funds released for Gir Sanctuary during the last three years are as under:

Year

Amount Released

(Rs. in lakhs)

2008-09

32.00

2009-10

78.46

2010-11

64.48

Total

174.94






       

The 'Project Tiger' had been launched in the country in 1973 and the project for lion conservation has been initiated under the 'Species Recovery programme' of the scheme 'Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats' (IDWH) in 2010-11. In addition, the State Government of Gujarat has been implementing own programmes for development of Gir Sanctuary and other habitats of lion for conservation of lions under the State Plan. The Government of India is seriously addressing the issues related to conservation of lions with resources available under its IDWH scheme.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Environment and Forests (independent charge) Shrimati Jayanthi Natarajan in a written reply to a question by Shri Harin Pathak , Shrimati Darshana Jardosh and Shrimati Jayshreeben Patel in Lok Sabha today.

Friday, August 26, 2011

Cheetahs to be back soon, in MP reserve

26-08-2011
Cheetahs to be back soon, in MP reserve
The Asian Age By Lalit Shastri
http://www.asianage.com/india/cheetahs-be-back-soon-mp-reserve-589

The Madhya Pradesh forest department's wildlife wing, in association with the Wildlife Institute of India, is close to introducing the extinct cheetah at Palpur Kuno wildlife sanctuary in Sheopur district.

The last Asiatic cheetahs were seen in this part of the world in the middle of the previous century. This species went extinct due to biotic pressure and poaching.
MP's principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife) H.S. Pabla told this newspaper on Thursday that the plan was to introduce six to 10 cheetahs in the Palpur Kuno sanctuary early in 2012.

It was part of a central government project to reintroduce the extinct cheetah in India, adding that all clearances had been obtained and Palpur Kuno was selected as the ideal habitat for the cheetah to be imported from Africa.

Dr Pabla said cheetahs would be brought from either Namibia or South Africa, or both. The state wildlife wing was collaborating in the transcontinental cheetah relocation exercise with a Namibian NGO, Cheetah Conservation Fund, and with South Africa and Beyond, a well-known wildlife conservation and ecotourism outfit.

Palpur Kuno has a semi-arid terrain mixed with forest and meadows — a typical extension of the central Indian landscape. The sanctuary gets its name from the Kuno river, a tributary of the Chambal. Palpur Kuno was earlier identified by WII experts as the most promising location to relocate Asiatic lions from Gujarat's Gir sanctuary, but the Narendra Modi government shot down that plan.

Infrastructure development in protected areas is road to death for wildlife

26-08-2011
Infrastructure development in protected areas is road to death for wildlife
DNA
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_infrastructure-development-in-protected-areas-is-road-to-death-for-wildlife_1580022

Sanctuaries in Gujarat are changing, and changing with an aggression and speed which has left environmentalists shocked - to say the least.

One of the main agendas in most meetings of the state wildlife board is to transfer land from sanctuaries for construction of roads. In some cases it is 'black-top' roads, in others it is kuchcha roads. But essentially, it is to facilitate greater access to these protected areas.

The latest has been a proposal put forth by the state government in the state wildlife board meeting last month for diversion of 0.714 hectare of forest land for construction of Poily-Ranjitpura approach road passing through Jambughoda wildlife sanctuary. A proposal for diversion of 1.5 hectare land for dedicated freight corridor railway line through Balaram Ambaji sanctuary was also on the agenda. Yet another proposal is for clearance of dedicated freight corridor railway line passing near Thol Wildlife sanctuary as close as 700 metre.

A senior forest official at the helm of the proceedings of this meeting refused to confirm or deny whether they were cleared or not. These proposals will now be sent to the Centre for further clearance before implementation. But they have already started drawing flak.

Former principal chief conservator of forests Sanat Chavan is dejected at the number of roads being built through the sanctuaries and categorically states that construction of new roads should be halted.

"Existing mud roads should not be made into tar roads. Firstly, because mud roads give an indication of lion movements through pug marks; and secondly, with tar roads, vehicles can speed, which will definitely kill wildlife," he says.

A senior member of the National Board for Wildlife in India (NBWLI) — the apex body that grants permission for any activity/change in wildlife sanctuaries — informed DNA earlier this year that they received the maximum number of proposals for construction of roads through sanctuaries from Gujarat. "Some we can see are innocuous, but there are a few which we feel can potentially affect the wildlife corridor," the official said.

A proposal for constructing a ring road around the Gir Forest is also pending with the Union ministry of environment and forests. While a section of naturalists believe that any kind of additional construction of roads is not good for wildlife, another section of wildlife observers claim the Asiatic Lions anyway migrate through populated villages, so a road will not be a major obstruction.

"The number of vehicles passing through the sanctuary for various purposes will decrease significantly as they will now pass only through the periphery, which will reduce the disturbance already being caused to the animals," principal chief secretary environment and forests SK Nanda says.

Chavan, who specialised in Gir forest conservation for decades, says the sanctuary has saturated its lion carrying capacity.

"The wild cats are spilling outside and they do not know human boundaries," he said. However, the Central government has reportedly expressed apprehension that the speeding vehicles could harm the animals, especially in the night.

Monday, August 22, 2011

Lion duo klls a leopard on the roof of school in Surva village

20-08-2011

Lion duo klls a leopard on the roof of school in Surva village
Divya Bhasker
Print Edition

If you want this article to be translated in English contact on info@asiaticlion.org

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Burnt carcass was that of lion cub, says probe

18-08-2011
Burnt carcass was that of lion cub, says probe
TImes of India
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/Burnt-carcass-was-that-of-lion-cub-says-probe/articleshow/9642184.cms

The carcass of an animal burnt last week was that of a two-month-old lion, investigations have revealed. Officials of the forest department said that the forest staff found a carcass of an animal in Gir East, in the first week of July.

Instead of bringing the carcass to the rescue centre for a post-mortem, the range forest officer J B Vadi ordered its disposal. However, remnants of hair and body parts around the site of the burning raised suspicions and an investigation was ordered. An examination by the department revealed that the animal was a lion cub. "We are waiting for the final forensic report to take action against the officials," said a senior forest officer. The officer said that Vadi might be suspended once the forensic report was received and that he had been transferred to a non-field posting in Junagadh.

The burning of the carcass was not a crime in itself, but Vadi did not follow the set procedure despite being aware of it, officials said. An official said that the only reason for disposing of the carcass could be that the death had gone unnoticed for several days. He said that Vadi may have feared that he would be asked to explain why the carcass was missed during routine rounds. He said that Vadi should have visited the spot himself but chose to stay back home and send his driver instead. Also, investigations revealed that the driver was sent only to establish that Vadi had been to the spot.

The entire episode could have gone unnoticed. But rumors that a lion cub had been burnt by forest staff after they found it poached opened the Pandora's box.

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

TWIN BROTHERS REACH OUT TO TALENTED ADVENTURE TRAVEL BLOGGERS

16-08-2011
TWIN BROTHERS REACH OUT TO TALENTED ADVENTURE TRAVEL BLOGGERS
Travpr
http://www.travpr.com/pr-7943-twin-brothers-reach-out.html

Twin brothers, Simon Raven and Chris Raven, broke onto the travel scene in 2003 when they drove from the UK to Vladivostok in a $500 Ford Sierra. Their second book 'Driving the Trans-Siberian' was the catalyst for a decade of travel writing and photography that has taken them to the far reaches of the planet.

Now focusing their attention on their latest project tripsideways.com, the adventure travel magazine for the independent traveller, the brothers aim to harness the power of a new wave of talent that has found a voice on the internet.

"Making a living from travel writing and photography has become challenging," Said Simon Raven, "but that hasn't stopped the determined pioneers, or travel addicted out there who traverse the planet everyday in search of the ultimate photograph or off the beaten track destination. Our goal with tripsideways.com is to unite the best of these talented and persistent travel wander's who are flooding the micro-stock photo agencies with world class photography.

Chris Raven added. "There's a world of inspiration out there. Go and see the Taj Mahal, but while you're in India why not trip sideways and visit the lesser visited Sasan Gir Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat and see the rare Asiatic lion at close quarters. Our aim with tripsideways.com is to point those who yearn to travel in the right direction with informative travel writing and photography that gets to the heart of a destination."

"With more people travelling the globe than ever before, often on their second or third round the world adventure, the thirst for off the beaten track travel knowledge has never been in such great demand." Said Simon.

Chris added. "Part of the experience of travelling is escaping the tourists and meeting the locals. With first hand reports from real people in the field, we hope to bring some of the planets lesser visited destinations to life."

To submit your work for promotion on tripsideways.com as an adventure travel blogger in the spotlight, email a link to: blogger@tripsideways.com

For a sustainable forest management


16-08-2011
For a sustainable forest management
The Hindu By N. R. Krishnan
http://www.thehindu.com/arts/books/article2361480.ece

This book by Kondas is a fine exposition of the basics of forestry and principles of tropical forest ecosystem management, with special reference to south India. A forester with four decades of field experience, he connects theory with practice easily and, in the process, brings out the essence of sustainable forest management. The work is thus a welcome departure from the usual tomes of emotive green outpouring.

First, the reader is taken through the physiographic conditions of peninsular India, its forest types, the definitions of terms one comes across frequently in any debate on forestry and conservation, and the state of the forests and other biodiversity-rich sites such as the wetlands. The treatment is quite exhaustive, and the history of forest management is traced right from the British days. Also, the legal framework governing forest and wildlife management is well presented.
Influences

Having set the stage, Kondas goes on to examine the impact of various influences — positive and negative, natural and human — on forest biodiversity. The analysis covers the effects of climate change, introduction of exotic species, construction of reservoirs and other forms of human interference, and even of well-intentioned enactments and schemes for vegetation and wildlife protection. Notably, there is no attempt to underplay or exaggerate the impact, good or bad. For instance, talking of climate change, the author — far from projecting a doomsday scenario — lays emphasis on recognising its inevitability and evolving strategies for adaptation. He draws particular attention to the resilience of ecosystems to change and their capacity to strike a new state of equilibrium — a point made forcefully by none other than James Lovelock.

Kondas has some interesting things to say about some of the initiatives taken in India and elsewhere to protect the health of ecosystems. If the efforts to bring the tiger back to the Sariska sanctuary, where it once flourished, met with only a partial success, it was because the factors that were responsible for the tigers' disappearance in the first place — poaching and the congregation of pilgrims — continued to exist. The proposal to find a second home for the Asiatic Lion in northern Madhya Pradesh met with stiff resistance from the Gujarat government and the project had to be abandoned.

There is a lesson for those who vociferously oppose any kind of human interference with natural ecosystems in the name of environmental protection. Kondas cites the example of the Amaravathy in Tamil Nadu that teems with crocodiles today, thanks to the construction of a reservoir and the accumulation of silt which provides an excellent spawning ground for them. So too, the elephant population at Parambikulam-Aliyar that was disturbed by the construction of a hydroelectric project in the 1960s returned to its original state by the 1990s. To give an example from outside India, the return of wildlife to south Sudan, a country ridden by prolonged civil strife, buttresses the view that Nature, somehow, fights back to claim its due place under the sun.
Exotics

On introducing exotics, a practice shunned by the not-so-well informed in this country, the book offers several illustrations to show that it need not always be harmful. It could, on the other hand, be beneficial. For instance, Casuarina equisetifolia, introduced in the erstwhile Madras Presidency in the 19{+t}{+h} century, was an unqualified success. Similarly, the three varieties of Eucalyptus, wherever introduced, have done better than the native species.

No study of India's forests would be complete without reference to the dedicated work of its forest personnel during the last 150 years, and Kondas is certainly not found wanting on this count. Who can remain unimpressed by the contributions of foresters like Dietrich Brandeis or Champion or Seth or Gamble? The work of Sir William Hooker and Robert Wight, botanists, has come for special mention. What is striking is the absence of any reference to the National Forestry Action Programme (NFAP). The NFAP is an ambitious, hugely funded project of the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests that is aimed at enlarging the country's green cover, and, as such, it warranted a critical appraisal by the author. The omission is glaring in this otherwise commendable work that will be found useful especially by practising foresters and members of the NGOs committed to the cause of nature conservation.

Harmless pregnancy test devised for wild animals

16-08-2011
Harmless pregnancy test devised for wild animals
Deccan Chronicle By Syed Akbar
http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/cities/hyderabad/harmless-pregnancy-test-devised-wild-animals-165

In a major effort to save wild and rare animals from extinction, scientists at the city-based Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology have perfected the art of ascertaining whether an animal is pregnant or not by measuring the steroids present in its faeces.

In a major effort to save wild and rare animals from extinction, scientists at the city-based Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology have perfected the art of ascertaining whether an animal is pregnant or not by measuring the steroids present in its faeces.

Using the faecal matter to find out if a wild animal is pregnant is a non-invasive process and the animal need not be subjected to daily blood tests.

"To know whether an animal is pregnant through assisted reproductive technology, we need to analyse the blood samples on a daily basis. For this we need to collect blood from the animal every day. Since the animal is wild, it has to be sedated before collecting the sample. This might affect its health. Our method of using faecal steroid hormones eliminates the need for daily blood analysis," said CCMB senior scientist Dr S. Shivaji.

Assisted reproductive technology is one of the methods adopted worldwide by scientists to boost the numbers of endangered species. Here the female is brought to "heat" or ovulation through artificial methods like using hormones. Later, sperm is inseminated artificially. Once the process is over, it becomes difficult to monitor whether the animal is pregnant or not.

Analysis of faecal steroid hormones will do away with the hazardous process of sedating the animal on a daily basis to collect blood samples. "There's the problem of pseudo pregnancy in cats, whether big or domestic. We can rule out pseudo pregnancy too through our tests," Dr Shivaji added.

The faecal steroid hormone study was first conducted by the CCMB team on the Asiatic lion, which is listed as a critically endangered species with only a couple of dozen left in the Gir forests. The team successfully monitored the induction of oestrus and ovulation in the Asiatic lion using non-invasive faecal steroid assay.

"Besides captive breeding, assisted reproduction using techniques such as semen collection, in vitro fertilisation, artificial insemination and embryo transfer could also facilitate propagation of the rare and endangered animals," he added.

Sunday, August 14, 2011

Forest Department stops local people at Talala from plucking Bili (Bilva) leaves and fruits;

14-08-2011

Forest Department stops local people at Talala from plucking Bili (Bilva) leaves and fruits;
Divya Bhaskar
Print Edition


Talala - Aug. 5th; Forest Department stops local people at Talala from plucking Bili (Bilva) leaves and fruits for Shiv Puja. Local people has protested and Vishva Hindu Parishad has also joined (making it a political issue!)

If you want this article to be translated in English contact on info@asiaticlion.org


Is Gujarat govt wary of the maldhari gathering?

14-08-2011
Is Gujarat govt wary of the maldhari gathering?
DNA
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_is-gujarat-govt-wary-of-the-maldhari-gathering_1575924

It seems that the announcement of a mass gathering near Ahmedabad on August 17 by the maldharis has not gone well with the government.According to maldhari leaders, the state government and police are trying hard to discourage the community members from attending their scheduled meeting.

On Saturday, Teja Desai, a community leader, alleged that police officials across the state are threatening the maldharis against staging a mass protest at Shertha toll plaza near Adalaj on August 17.

"In morning our community brothers across Gujarat informed me how the cops are trying hard not to let this mass meeting take place. Police are visiting villages across the state to know who all are coming to the meet," claimed Desai. He added that maldharis from Banaskantha, Rajkot, Patan, and Kheda districts have already been threatened by the cops in this regard.

More than 70,000 maldharis are expected to gather at Sherta and stage a demonstration against illegal cow trafficking and slaughter.

According to Nagji Desai, one of the organisers, government is fearful of the mass meet right now and is thus trying to stop as many people as possible from attending the rally.

"Cops have already threatened many of our community members in Kalol and Mehsana. They say they are finding out details about persons attending the meet, but instead are threatening them," claimed Desai.

Narshi Desai, a resident of Deodar in Banaskantha, alleged that on Saturday the local PSI threatened him. "He came to our village and warned us he would book us in a false case if we don't act according to their (cops) wishes," said Desai adding that the PSI also demanded details like number of persons attending the meet, fund resources, agenda of the meet and registration number of our vehicles."

Manoj Bharwad, a maldhari from Kotda Sangani in Rajkot had a similar story to tell. "Police tried to scare us and threatened that we all will be excluded from government benefits if we attend the gathering," said Bharwad.

When asked about such 'scare tactics', Chitranjan Singh, state DGP said police are gathering information about how many people will attend the meeting. "But we are not threatening them at all. We need the details just because we have to manage a huge mass ofpeople," claimed Singh.

Friday, August 12, 2011

Cheetah to be re-introduced at Palpur-Kuno sanctuary in MP

12-08-2011
Cheetah to be re-introduced at Palpur-Kuno sanctuary in MP
Ibnlive
http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/cheetah-to-be-reintroduced-at-palpurkuno-sanctuary-in-mp/785971.html

The Palpur-Kuno sanctuary in Sheopur district of Madhya Pradesh may soon become home to Cheetahs, which will be translocated from Namibia for revival of this endangered and now-extinct species in India. "If all goes well as per the plan, then Cheetah would be introduced in the Palpur-Kuno habitat by the end of December or early January next year," Madhya Pradesh Forest Minister, Sartaj Singh told PTI. "The Cheetahs will be brought from Namibia for the revival of the now-extinct animal in the country," he said. "Surveys have been done in this regard and opinion of the experts are in favour of the re-introduction of Cheetah at Palpur-Kuno," the minister said. Recently, a team of experts from Namibia including Lorrie Marker, conservationist and senior forest department officials visited Palpur-Kuno to workout the strategy for reintroduction of Cheetah in the Palpur-Kuno sanctuary spread in an area of nearly 344.686 square kilometer, the department sources said. For the ambitious Cheetah re-introduction plan, wildlife experts have chosen Palpur-Kuno and Nauradehi habitats in Madhya Pradesh and Shahgarh in Rajasthan, sources said. But, the choice of Shahgarh may hit a wall with locals opposing the re-introduction plan in the desert state. These places were chosen after the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) carried out a survey of various habitats across the country for the re-introduction of Cheetah, sources said.(MORE) PTI MAS DK DK

Greater Gir forest staff undergo ‘refresher’ training in wildlife crime prevention

12-08-2011
Greater Gir forest staff undergo 'refresher' training in wildlife crime prevention
Wildlifetrustofindi
http://www.wildlifetrustofindia.org/current-news/110809_greater_gir_forest_staff_undergo_refresher_training_in_wildlife_crime_prevention.html


Frontline staff of Junagadh Forest Division at the training

Gujarat's frontline forest staff responsible for the protection of the endangered Asiatic lion and its habitat in Greater Gir, are undergoing 'refresher' training to brush up their skills and knowledge in wildlife crime prevention tactics. The participants will also be provided fresh sets of field gear to facilitate effective patrolling.  

The training, organised for the Gujarat Forest Department by Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) with the support of the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (DSWF), will continue till the end of August. A total of 450 frontline staff, many of whom were participants in the first training held in December 2009, will benefit from this refresher course.

"Today the number of key species like lion and leopard are increasing in Gir area, and providing the best protection is the key to long-term success of the conservation efforts," asserted KA Gandhi, Assistant Conservator of Forests, Mobile Squad, Gujarat Forest Department, who inaugurated the training for the first batch of participants from the Junagadh Wildlife Division on Friday.

"The frontline staff should be proactive and ensure that the habitat and wildlife is secured against encroachments, poaching and other illegal activities in the area. 'Be alert and available 24 X 7 to protect our wildlife' should be the attitude of every single staff who works in the Forest Department," he encouraged.

The training is designed by the Van Rakshak Project (VRP) of WTI, under which more than 9000 frontline staff in more than 125 protected areas and other wildlife areas across the country, have been trained and equipped. The Project also runs the unique Group Accident Insurance Scheme, providing an insurance cover of up to one lakh rupees to over 17,000 frontline staff, in case of permanent disability or death on duty.

"Wildlife protection is an evolving field, and the frontline staff - the first line of defence for the country's natural heritage, must be kept aware of any development to help them in their duties. VRP training modules are packaged in a way to ensure that the trainees not just brush up on their skills and knowledge, but also understand their application in practical situations," said Jose Louies, Officer-in-Charge, VRP.  

Over the next three weeks, a four-member WTI team will update the participants on the latest developments in the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, refresh their skills in crime scene investigation, effective processing of legal proceedings against criminals and use of field equipment like GPS, camera traps etc in effective wildlife crime prevention.

Saturday, August 06, 2011

Research on making corridor between Gir and Girnar Sanctuaries for Asiatic Lions

06-08-2011

Research on making corridor between Gir and Girnar Sanctuaries for Asiatic Lions
Gujarat Samachar
Print Edition

If you want this article to be translated in English contact on info@asiaticlion.org

Friday, August 05, 2011

Asiatic lions: Let the pride increase!

04-08-2011
Asiatic lions: Let the pride increase!
Mydigitalfc.com By Dharmendra Khandal
http://www.mydigitalfc.com/leisure-writing/asiatic-lions-let-pride-increase-636

Hundred years ago, the population of Asiatic lion in India were left to about a dozen; today this number has reached to 411 lions. World over there is a trend of flora and fauna declining due to human population increase and consecutive habitat losses, so what is it that the population of Asiatic lion is increasing.

Yogendra Shah a wildlife researcher working in Gir forest gives the credit of this reverse trend to the community living around the lion's territory and the forest department. The lions are a symbol of pride for the people of Gujarat and for their conservation; they make all efforts and sacrifices.

Shah recollected an incident where, he went to meet a family, which had six members and two buffalos, the lions killed one of the buffalo but the family had no grudge against the big cats.

About a hundred years back when the Junagarh nawab could not find a lion for his shikar, he realised that the lion population had declined. He stopped hunting of lion. With times, trends and problems change like forest department rescue team has been rescuing 20-30 lions each year from open deep wells. There are some eight thousand wells in and around the lion territory and the forest department and locals have managed to fence or wall about four thousand. The Gir forest is a 1400 sq km area but the lions have now expanded their territory and found in 2300 sq km. However, the lions in one era were found in many states of India like the Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh. The reasons for their extinction were shikar and their habitat being open scrubland. They did not have the knack to survive such as the tiger, at the same time the lions are very vocal and the hunters can easily catch their presence. Hence, the existence of the Asiatic lions in Gujarat is a very big achievement and the credit goes to the community, researches, forest department and the politicians.

However if we want to conserve the lions in the long term we have to move to a new phase in which the lion has to be changed from the 'pride of Gujarat' to the 'pride of India'. Two decades ago the government had worked in this direction they proposed the kuno area of Madhya Pradesh to be the second home for the lions and even relocated 24 villages from the forest but the Gujarat government, forest department and researches did not want to give their pride to any other state. Unfortunately, the entire program was put on hold. Now there is a case filed in the Supreme Court to bring lions in Madhya Pradesh.

The Madhya Pradesh government possibly believes that they have enough tiger forests and need to work on species such as lions or cheetahs to attract tourists. With this ideology if we are bringing the lions, then the decision of the Gujarat people looks more acceptable. However, in spite of all the debate, we do know that the growing lion population needs a second home, may be not in other state but in Gujarat itself we can think of another area.

(The writer is a conservation biologist at Tiger Watch, Ranthambhore)

Thursday, August 04, 2011

Pride Kills Cow at Ankolwadi village in Gir West.

03-08-2011
Pride Kills Cow at Ankolwadi village in Gir West.
Divya Bhaskar
Print Edition

If you want this article to be translated in English contact on info@asiaticlion.org

Tuesday, August 02, 2011

Ring road around Gir to be on pvt-public partnership model

01-08-2011
Ring road around Gir to be on pvt-public partnership model
Times of India
http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-07-31/ahmedabad/29835222_1_ring-road-gir-sanctuary-gir-national-park

The state forest department has decided to construct a ring road around the Gir sanctuary on the public-private partnership model. The decision was taken because the state does not want to wait for funds to be sanctioned from the central government.

The Gujarat government has already sent a proposal to the Centre for the ring road around the Gir sanctuary. The road, according to the state government, will divert traffic that now trespasses on the Asiatic lion's kingdom.

The proposed 269 km road will connect villages on the periphery of the Gir National Park and sanctuary covering 1,412 sq km. About six state highways and some minor roads now crisscross the sanctuary. And every day 35 to 40 vehicles travel through the sanctuary.

Record Tourist Arrivals in Gir National Park

01-08-2011
Record Tourist Arrivals in Gir National Park
Easydestination
http://www.easydestination.net/blog/index.php?itemid=2173

Gir National Park has registered record increase in tourist arrivals for a year. Gir welcomed 271,000 tourists during April 2010 to March 2011, an increase of 32 per cent.

This is the best ever year for the Gir National Park the only home of Asian Lions in the world. Foreign tourist arrivals to the park also increased by 19 per cent in the year.

According to the stats by Gujarat tourism, bulk of tourists visited during November to January. Festivals like Diwali, Christmas and Uttarayan during these months were the main reason why 55 per cent of total tourists visited Gir during these 3 months.

According to local tour operators and hotel owners, tourist rush during the festivals has increased in last year. The main reason behind it is the decision by Gujarat government to increase daily permits during around festivals to 150.

Apart from permits advertising campaign starring Amitabh Bachchan "Khushboo Gujarat Ki" also helped the national park. State tourism officials have admitted in the past that tourist arrivals boomed in Gir following the advertising campaign featuring Amitabh Bachchan. Several tourists couldn't find hotels during to the tourist rush.

A record 2.71L tourists visit Gir in a year

01-08-2011
A record 2.71L tourists visit Gir in a year
Times of India
http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-07-31/ahmedabad/29835167_1_foreign-tourists-devaliya-gir

Gir, the only place in the world where you can see Asiatic lions in the wild, recorded its maximum visitors in the 12 months till March 2011.

The sanctuary registered a footfall of 2.71 lakh tourists in this period, which is 32 per cent higher than 2009-10. Forest department sources say there was a 19 per cent rise even among foreign tourists. The sanctuary has 411 lions as per the May 2010 census.

The data reveals that 55 per cent of these tourists came in November, December and January. Of the 6,152 foreign tourists who visited Gir in the year till March last, 3,328 came in December, January and February. The trend was mainly because of festivals like Christmas, Diwali and Uttarayan.

"This year the rush began a week prior to the Uttarayan as the festival was on a weekend," said a forest official.

"We were expecting a record income this year, as during Diwali, Gir and Devaliya interpretation centre had recorded a income of around Rs 42 lakh in the 10 day between November 4 and November 13," he said. The main reason for the increase in the flow of tourists was the state government's decision to increase the permits issued during festive days from 90 to 150.

Deputy conservator of forest Sandeep Kumar said that the maximum income of Devaliya in a single day was Rs 4,68,000 in 2000, but the figure touched Rs 5,39,250 this year. Kumar said that this year apart from increasing the tourist permit the advertisement campaign Khushboo Gujarat Ki also played a major role in attracting tourists.

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