Senior Research Fellow

30-11-2009
Senior Research Fellow
Wildlife Institute of India By Kausik Banerjee
http://www.wii.gov.in/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=168:kausik-banerjee&catid=56:researchers&Itemid=200

I received an undergraduate degree in zoology (Hons.) from Presidency College, Kolkata (2003) and a master's degree in forestry (with gold medal) from the Forest Research Institute, Dehradun (2005). For my master's thesis, I evaluated the status of prey populations for the re-introduction of Asiatic lions in Kuno-Palpur Wildlife Sanctuary, Madhya Pradesh. Thereafter, I worked as a research fellow in a WII project titled "Social Organization and Dispersal of Asiatic Lions" which documented the density, population structure, ranging pattern, food habits and habitat use of Asiatic lions in the Gir Forest.

Presently, I am looking at the population ecology of lions outside the Gir Protected Area in an agro-pastoral landscape with emphasis on range use, habitat use pattern, feeding habits, issues of human–lion conflict and the economics of lion conservation. The ultimate objective is to develop a long term regional level conservation policy to ensure the maintenance of a viable population of the Asiatic lion in the future. My broad research interests include carnivore ecology and behaviour, with emphasis on predation, ranging patterns, habitat use, population dynamics and human–carnivore conflicts.

Endangered Asian Lions Were Successfully Bred at Night Safari Zoo

27-11-2009
Endangered Asian Lions Were Successfully Bred at Night Safari Zoo
Zoo and Aquarium Visitor By By Kumar Pillai
http://www.zandavisitor.com/newsarticle-2612-Endangered_Asian_Lions_Were_Successfully_Bred_at_Night_Safari_Zoo

Singapore - It is a joyous occasion for Night Safari as its initial attempt at breeding Asian lions became a reality with the successful births of three cubs — two males and a female — in September.

The sire and dam, Khapat and Amba, arrived from India in March this year as part of an animal exchange programme. The cubs are currently housed with their mother in an off-exhibit area. Visitors will be able to see them along the tram route early next year. The Asian lion is listed as endangered under the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

We are pleased that the Asian lions have adapted well at the Night Safari. This resounding success with our first attempt at breeding the endangered Asian lion brings great joy especially as the lions have only been at the park since last March. The births are in line with the zoo's objective to boost the population of endangered species, said Mr Kumar Pillai, Assistant Director, Zoology, Night Safari.

Asian lions once prowled a range that spanned from the Middle East to India. Now, only 300 or so of these magnificent animals survive in the wild, mainly in India's Gir Forest. Once royal hunting grounds, it has since been converted into a reserve where the endangered Asian lions are heavily protected. An additional 200 Asian lions live in zoos.
Currently, Night Safari has three male African and six Asian lions, which are kept separately.

ABOUT ASIAN LIONS
The Asian lion is a unique subspecies that split from the African lion some 100,000 years ago, and is smaller in size. It also sports a smaller mane compared to its African cousin. Most Asian lions live in India's Gir Forest. Current population stands at about 350 animals, with only approximately 175 mature individuals. The Asian lion is one of three big cats found in India. Gestation period for lions is between 105 to 115 days. Lions rely heavily on livestock such as deer, antelope, gazelle, wild boar, water buffalo and livestock for their diet.

ABOUT NIGHT SAFARI
Night Safari, the world's first wildlife park for nocturnal animals is an eight-time winner of the Best Visitor Attraction Experience, awarded by Singapore Tourism Board. This internationally acclaimed leisure attraction embodies innovation and creativity in products and services, and service quality, thus attracting more than 1.1 million visitors yearly. Over 1,000 animals from 115 species (of which almost 30% are threatened) inhabit the 40-hectare park.

In line with its mission to promote biodiversity, the park focuses on the captive breeding of threatened species. Over the years, it has bred Malayan tigers, Asian elephants, fishing cats, red dholes, anoas, markhors, bantengs and Malayan tapirs, among other endangered species. A visitor's experience at Night Safari is not limited to animals but extends to experiential dining segments with the park's award winning Gourmet Safari Experience, where visitors dine onboard a tram traversing the eight geographical zones. The park can be explored either on foot via three walking trails, or by tram. Night Safari is part of Wildlife Reserves Singapore and is a designated wildlife rescue centre by the governing authority.

Night Safari is located at 80 Mandai Lake Road Singapore 729826. More information can be found at www.nightsafari.com.sg

To view Night Safari Zoo's web page on Zoo and Aquarium Visitor, go to:  http://www.zandavisitor.com/forumtopicdetail-2282-Night_Safari

State Forest dept bags national environment award

24-11-2009
State Forest dept bags national environment award
Indian Express
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/state-forest-dept-bags-national-environment-award/545474/

The state Forest department has bagged the Indira Priyadarshini Vrikshamitra Award for 2006, 2007 and 2008 for outstanding performance in social forestry and reclamation of wastelands in Gujarat. The Award has been constituted by the Ministry of Environment and Forests.

The department's Junagadh range has won the award in the social forestry category, while B B Limbasiya of the Rajkot office has won the same in the individual category.

Principal Chief Conservator of Forest Pradeep Khanna said on Monday that the social forestry range office at Anand has bagged the award for its outstanding work in mangrove plantation along the Gulf of Cambay, covering over 4,000 hectares of coastal land.

"Earlier, this coastal area did not have any vegetation worth the name. Under the project, we have not only planted Avicinia marina in 4,000 hectares of land but also generated over 90,000 mandays in the last three years," Khanna said.

He added, "Due to the mangrove plantation, the villagers in Tada Talav, who were getting just 60-150 kg of sea food catch per day, are now getting 400 kg."

Lioness mauls forest officer

22-11-2009
Lioness mauls forest officer
Divya Bhaskar
Briefly translated from Gujarati

The incidence happened at Devalia Interpretation zone near Sasan. H. K. Solanki, forester at Devalia park was inspecting the chain-link fencing work. Suddenly a lioness attacked the officer and mauled him. The officer was admitted to hospital and is out of danger.

In dark night Man hits lion…

21-11-2009
In dark night Man hits lion…
Divya Bhaskar
Briefly translated from Gujarati

This incidence happened at Kariya village of Bhesan sub-district near Girnar WLS.

It is very frequent that Lions from Girnar area come to Kariya, Paswada, Mendpura and Malida villages in search of food. A farmer Savjibhai Dayatbhai was sleeping in the foyer in his house. He heard some noise in his open courtyard. He thought some wild animal has entered his house. So in dark he bit the animal three four times with the stick. In the meantime, his wife switch – on the tourch to find lion in the light. Farmer was embrassed and sought the shelter immediately. Villagers praised the courageous farmer.

Spotted Deer Spotted in Dhari Market Area

21-11-2009
Spotted Deer Spotted in Dhari Market Area
Divya Bhaskar
Briefly translated from Gujarati

Dhari is about 20-25 kms from Gir forest boundary. Lions and other wild animals come very near to this town. Deer is very shy animal and keeps away from human habitated areas. But yesterday, a spotted (lone male) deer came inside the town. A crowd of about 150 people and stray dogs gathered. Deer was injured and finally caught by forest department. It was treated at at Jasadhar Animal care hospital and released free into the jungle.

Leopard dies in road accident

20-11-2009
Leopard dies in road accident
Divya Bhaskar
Briefly translated from Gujarati

A dead body of leopard was found on Ranavav – Adityana Road Barda forest. There are many leopards in Barda (and it is the place for moving few Gir lions also.) leopard was 2 year old female and forest department has concluded as death due to hit-and-run. Carcass is sent for post –mortem to Junagadh FSL.

Leopardess mauls sleeping man, caged

19-11-2009
Leopardess mauls sleeping man, caged
Times of India
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/rajkot/-Leopardess-mauls-sleeping-man-caged-/articleshow/5240886.cms

A leopardess, that had attacked an elderly farm labourer in Patapur village of Una taluka in Junagadh district, was caged by forest department officials early on Wednesday.

According to the officials, the adult female mauled the labourer on Monday night while he was sleeping on a cot on the farm. "The leopard, which was lurking in the farm, gripped Megha Parmar's hand in its jaws and started dragging him. The victim started shouting for help as the cat dragged him 10 feet. Hearing his cries, family members and villagers rushed to the site and drove the leopard away," said a forester. The forest department was alerted and the injured were rushed to the primary health centre. Parmar received serious injuries on his hand.

A team of forest officials surveyed the site and checked the big cat's pugmarks to trace it. "We set up two cages with live bait inside at different locations. The leopardess was caged on Wednesday morning," the official added.

Lion cub rescued from open well in Rajula

19-11-2009
Lion cub rescued from open well in Rajula
Times of India
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/rajkot/-Lion-cub-rescued-from-open-well-in-Rajula/articleshow/5240889.cms

A lion cub that had fallen into an open well was rescued on Tuesday and reunited with its mother, who kept circling around the well throughout Monday night in a village of Dhari range of Gir Wildlife Sanctuary.

According to forest officials, the incident occurred on the outskirts of Govindpur village, where the lioness and her cub were roaming. "It appears that the cub couldn't see the open well and fell in it. The lioness kept circling around the well, moaning helplessly. The matter came to light on early Tuesday morning when villagers after spotting the lioness alerted us," said a forester.

A team of forest officials rushed to the site. First they drove the lioness away and lifted the cub out of the well. "Luckily, the cub had not received any serious injuries. It was bit terrified. However, it became calm on being reunited with its mother," the official said.

MP hasn’t given up yet

18-11-2009
MP hasn't given up yet
Times of India By Himanshu Kaushik |
http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Daily/skins/TOINEW/navigator.asp?Daily=TOIA&showST=true&login=default&pub=TOI&AW=1258552085921

Despite getting four zoobred lions from Hyderabad, Delhi and Bhopal, the Madhya Pradesh (MP) will once again push for getting wild Asiatic lions from Gir sanctuary. Conservator of forest, Gwalior Murli Krishnan said he was in New Delhi on Monday to submit a report raising objections to the allocation of zoo-bred lions in the name of conservation.

"Zoo-bred lions can't survive in the jungle as they are habituated to being fed rather than hunting. Also, a special complex would have to be constructed for breeding," said Murli. Murli said a meeting with the additional director general of wildlife in Delhi was scheduled on Tuesday. "We will again raise the demand for wild Asiatic lions from Gujarat."

The Dehradun-based Wildlife Research Institute had felt in the 1980s that the 1,400-sq km Gir forest, with its population of over 350 big cats, was too small for housing such a large number. It also felt that concentrating the entire lion population in one place exposes it to being wiped out by disease or a natural calamity. The institute zeroed in on Kuno Palpur sanctuary and launched Asiatic Lions Reproduction Project, a Rs 64-crore centrally-funded scheme. However, Gujarat said there was possibility of tiger-lion conflict in Kuno Palpur as the two can never co-exist in the same place. A Delhi-based NGO - Bio-diversity Conservation Trust - also filed a public suit in the Supreme Court urging it to direct the Gujarat government to cooperate with Madhya Pradesh in transferring lions to Kuno Palpur. The matter was referred to the standing committee of the National Board for Wildlife which has referred the matter back to a team of experts.

'Zoo-bred lions can't live in the wild'

An expert committee appointed by the standing committee of National Board for Wildlife, has opined that Madhya Pradesh should be given lions from the wild and not the zoobred ones. The committee has said zoo-bred lions may be used for breeding in the breeding centre but they can't be left out in the wild.

After Guj denial, MP gets zoo-bred lions

18-11-2009
After Guj denial, MP gets zoo-bred lions
Times of India By Himanshu Kaushik |
http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Daily/skins/TOINEW/navigator.asp?Daily=TOIA&showST=true&login=default&pub=TOI&AW=1258552085921

It is official now. After Gujarat snubbed Madhya Pradesh's efforts to acquire Asiatic lions from Gir sanctuary, Kuno Palpur in MP, which is being developed as an alternative habitat for the Asiatic lion, will get two pairs of zoo-bred lions. The four lions will be acquired from zoos in Delhi, Hyderabad and Bhopal and given to MP for a breeding centre.

"We have got the nod from Central Zoo Authority of India (CZAI) to receive the lions," said conservator of forest Gwalior, Murli Krishna. Kuno Palpur is being readied for the lions at an expense of Rs 26 crore jointly funded by the Centre and state.

This would come as a jolt to Gujarat's efforts to have an exclusive sanctuary for Asiatic lions. Officials said that in a recent meeting CZAI approved moving zoo lions to Kuno Palpur. The 345 sq km area of Kuno Palpur can be home to around 60 lions. A wildlife circle has also been created. The MP government and other agencies had been pressurising Gujarat forest department to part with three or four pairs of lions. However, the state government refused. The MP government had written to all zoos in the country to spare original Asiatic lions for Kuno Palpur.

Murli said that Hyderabad zoo would give MP a pair of zoobred Asiatic lions, and
one male lion from Bhopal and a female from Delhi. They would be moved to a breeding centre and would not be open for public. However, senior officials said that once MP has the third generation of lions, they would be set free in the jungle. In the next eight years the Palpur sanctuary would be open for tourists," said officials.

Officials from the MP forest department also confirmed that talks were on more lions from other zoo. MP wanted to start with at least five pairs so that in the next eight years it can release 10 lions in the forest and keep the rest for breeding.

Leopard attacks labour at Patapar village near Una

18-11-2009
Leopard attacks labour at Patapar village near Una
Divya Bhaskar
Briefly translated from Gujarati

Patapur is a small village near Una (near Gir Forest East). A farmer, Trikam Purushottam, had sawn onion in his farm. Yesterday night, his labour Odhad Megha Parmar was watering the plants. Suddenly a leopard appeared from no-where and attacked him. He was rescued by mob gathered and was hospitallised. Forest department has cased this animal later on.

Cattle Killing by Lions

15-11-2009
Cattle Killing by Lions
All News Paper
Print Edition

Leopard killed a calf at Raisinh Bhana Ahir's farm at Dolasa in Kodinar Taluka. (Divya Bhaskar 05-11-2009)

A pride of lions killed a stray bullock at Madhupur (Gir) in Talala Taluka. (Divya Bhaskar 05-11-2009)

A leopard killed a calf at Bhimshibhai Barad's home at Madhupur (Gir) in Talala taluka (Divya Bhaskar 05-11-2009)

MP says Kuno Palpu sanctuary can house 60 Asiatic lions

12-11-2009
MP says Kuno Palpu sanctuary can house 60 Asiatic lions
Press Trust of India
http://www.ptinews.com/news/373442_MP-says-Kuno-Palpu-sanctuary-can-house-60-Asiatic-lions

Waiting anxiously to bring the 'king of the jungle' to Kuno Palpur sanctuary, Madhya Pradesh Government has claimed that the park spread over 900 sq kms can house as many as 60 Asiatic lions.

With Gujarat Government refusing to part with its "pride" from Girnar forests which is the only habitat of lions in the country, the Centre has proposed "soft release" of the zoo-bred lions in Kuno Palpur sanctuary as an alternate home to the animal.

The Centre has already identified pure-gene Asiatic lions in the Delhi and Hyderabad zoos for relocating them in Kuno Palpur with an aim to strengthen the population of the endangered species in the country.

"Almost 60 lions can be accomodated in the sanctuary having 900 sq km of buffer area.

IBM to help create 'Little Africa' in Gujarat

10-11-2009
IBM to help create 'Little Africa' in Gujarat
Times of India By Nayan Dave
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/IBM-to-help-create-Little-Africa-in-Gujarat/articleshow/5214160.cms

In a bid to provide employment to youth of the African-origin Sidi community settled in Saurashtra, Gujarat government has planned to create a 'Little Africa' on the fringes of Gir forest by developing a theme-based resort.

The resort to be developed on 25 acres of land would be promoted by global giant IBM. The tribal development department of the state government has entered into a tie-up with IBM India for the project.

"The Rs 10-crore project, excluding the cost of land, would be fully funded by the Gujarat government. IBM will provide expertise to select a private partner to run the resort. It will also provide consultancy to market this 'Little Africa' across the world to lure maximum tourists," said Per Yorgansen, project manager, IBM Denmark, who is in Ahmedabad for IBM's Corporate Service Corps (CSC) program.

Two leopards caught, hunt on for third

07-11-2009
Two leopards caught, hunt on for third
Times of India
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/rajkot/Two-leopards-caught-hunt-on-for-third-/articleshow/5207606.cms

In a four-day operation, the forest department successfully caged two male leopards in Dolasa village in Amreli district on Wednesday and Thursday, while a third remained at large.

According to sources, a team of officials rushed to the village after two goats were found killed. "Farmer Giga Chauhan spotted the half-eaten carcasses of his goats on Tuesday morning and informed us. When we reached the village, people told us there were three leopards on the prowl in the area. Following this, we set up two cages at different places," said a forester.

Cages with live bait of goats yielded result as two leopards were caught. However, the third big cat remained elusive. Foresters are camping in Dolasa to capture it.

A wildlife expert said there was a trend of leopards, like lions, expanding their territory out of Gir sanctuary. "It's an unusual phenomenon. Leopards are leaving Gir sanctuary and straying into villages not known to have wildlife, let alone big cats," he said.

Recently, a leopard was sighted in Sanosara village of Bhavnagar, which doesn't even boast of thick forest cover," said Shailesh Makwana, managing director of Existence Foundation, a non-profit organization devoted to environment protection and wildlife.

Leopard caught from Bhavnagar village

06-11-2009
Leopard caught from Bhavnagar village
Times of India
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/rajkot/Leopard-caught-from-Bhavnagar-village/articleshow/5204306.cms

The leopard that had been thwarting forest department's attempt to trap it for the past three days was finally captured from Sanosara village of Sihor taluka on Friday.

According to forest officials, the leopard was sighted on Wednesday morning by a farm labourer who alerted the forest department. "Woman Jaya Jamod, who was working in a farm of the village spotted the leopard and informed us. A cage was set up with a live bait of goat inside. However, the big cat did not show interest in it and kept evading us for two nights," said a forester.

Meanwhile, foresters observing the cage sighted the leopard on Friday afternoon. "As the leopard was approaching towards the cage, one of the officials fired an injectable dart from his rifle, which had a tranquillising effect within a few minutes on the big cat. We carried the leopard to Sasan, where we plan to release it in the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary," the forester added.

The leopard is believed to have entered the village after crossing Shetrunji mountain range.

Gir lions to wear a chip under their skin

05-11-2009
Gir lions to wear a chip under their skin
The Hindu By Manas Dasgupta
http://www.hindu.com/2009/11/05/stories/2009110555480100.htm

The Gujarat government has decided to install microchips under the skin of the lions in the Gir Forest National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, the only abode of the Asiatic lions, to track their movements.

The decision was taken following a series of lion killings, both natural and accidental, an official spokesperson said on Wednesday.

The spokesperson said a control tower would also be set up in the sanctuary with global positioning system. The State has sanctioned Rs.40 crore for the project.

Lion kills another for Jungle Raj in Mahuva

05-11-2009
Lion kills another for Jungle Raj in Mahuva
Times of India By Himanshu Kaushik
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/Lion-kills-another-for-Jungle-Raj-in-Mahuva/articleshow/5194195.cms

The locals call him an aatankwadi' (terrorist). His basic instincts have surfaced and he wants to establish a kingdom by force. A lion who came out of Gir to settle in Mahuva outside Bhavnagar has attacked another lion which succumbed to injuries on Tuesday. This is the second incident where an adult lion has been killed in the region which is yet to be declared protected. At least, 17 lions have been spotted in this area.

Forest officials said that the adult lion attacked by the terrorist', died during treatment at Jasadhar. The attack was a result of a territorial fight. SP Tyagi, Conservator of Forest, Bhavnagar, confirmed this and said that the lion was attacked five days back and was shifted to Jasadhar for treatment.

Last year, during the same period this terrorist' lion had killed a cub.

Officials said that there was a pride of eight lions moving together and this lion was trying to enter their group. According to sources, last year the lion had tried mating with a female in the group, but her cub was constantly moving around her, which angered the lion and so he killed it.

Forest officials suspect that the recent attack could also have been provoked by jealousy. They say this is the first incident of a two adult lions fighting in Mahuva.

An adult lion pride needs about 75-80 sq km of territorial area. The recent census conducted by the forest department showed 17 lions in Mahuva taluka alone and all have been spotted in the unprotected area.

Officials say there has been presence of lions in the area for the past few years. They agree that the area was best suited for lions and the population in the coming days was going to increase as this taluka had a natural corridor with Gir and Mityala sanctuaries. The area abounds with savannah grassland with a prey base of neelgai, chital and even wild pigs.

Forest without public but with lots of Garbage after Parikrama

03-11-2009
Forest without public but with lots of Garbage after Parikrama
Divya Bhaskar
Briefly translated from Gujarati

Parikrama that began from Dev Diwali (29-10-2009) was officially declared closed on 02-11-2009. last lot of pilgrims that loader at Bordevi yesterday night have returned to Bhavnath(Starting Point). Heavy traffic was seen on Junagadh roads. Those religious organization who had put their stalls for free-food have started carrying out marquees etc. out of the jungle. Unfortunately, as always, lacks of  tourists have put their foot prints behind in the form of garbage. Almost allover the tracking route and nearby tobacco sachets, spoilt vegetables, paper and plastic was seen. Also due to less rain this year, at many places river had dried up but still water ponds were formed. These clear still water ponds were highly polluted by detergents and soaps.

Kishore Kotecha's Comment : It is difficult to stop parikrama every year. But at least strict measures should be taken so that tourists do not pollute the place. This is just like using someone's home for free and then making it dirty.

Leopard rescued from Junagadh well

01-11-2009
Leopard rescued from Junagadh well
Times of India
http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Client.asp?Daily=TOIA&showST=true&login=default&pub=TOI&Enter=true&Skin=TOINEW&GZ=T

A leopard was rescued from a farmer's well in Vanthali in Junagadh district on Saturday at noon. The big cat was tranquilized and pulled out of the well with a rope.
 
The well was not open, but its parapet was not more than one-and-a-half-ft high. The animal might have fallen into the well at night. According to the district forest officer (DFO) of social forestry J P Vasava, the leopard was rescued by a Sakkarbaug Zoo team and the forest department.

In the morning, a farmer from Vanthali reported to the forest department that a leopard had fallen into a well on his farm on Manavadar Road. Vasava immediately informed Sakkarbaug Zoo authorities and a team was sent to the farm.


As a large number of villagers had gathered, Vanthali police were called in to disperse the crowd.

Vasava said the cat was around nine-years-old. It has been sent to the zoo and after a proper check-up, it will be set free in the jungle.
 
As per an animal census done in 2001, there were 311 leopards in the Gir forest area. Man animal conflicts are not new in this area. On September 26, a leopard attacked the nine-year-old daughter of a farm labourer in Ramgarh village in Savarkundla taluka of Amreli district. Surprisingly, six months ago leopards were seen in Vasavad and Gondal area of Rajkot district.

6.19 lacs (almost three quarter millions) tourist finish Girnar Parikrama

01-11-2009
6.19 lacs (almost three quarter millions) tourist finish Girnar Parikrama
Divya Bhaskar
Briefly translated from Gujarati

Girnar Parikrama has lot of religious importance. And now due to improved transportation and a reason of outing no. of pilgrims for Parikrama goes on increasing every year. A survey also stated that about 40% of the tourist were young people having come to enjoy nature and animals (of course- free-charge)

This year many pilgrims started the Parikrama before the scheduled date to avoid rush. Forest department had set-up an couting point at "Nal-pani Ghodi," which recorded 6,19,000 pilgrims this year. While returning heavy tourist traffic was also seen at tourist places of Junagadh like Uparkot, Sakkrbag, Narsinh Mehta No Choro, etc.

Three lions seen on Parikrama route

01-11-2009
Three lions seen on Parikrama route
Divya Bhaskar
Briefly translated from Gujarati

Like last year, this year also three lions showed up on the Parikrama route. The wild animals in the sanctuary were very much disturbed due to lacs of tourists in the jungle the lions showed up near "Zina Bawa ni Madhi" area.

Kishore Kotecha's Comments:- Shouldn't we change the Parikrama route?

Sambar stampeds tourists in Parikrama

01-11-2009
Sambar stampeds tourists in Parikrama
Divya Bhaskar
Briefly translated from Gujarti

Few pilgrim tourists did their night hault at Bordevi on parikrama route yesterday night, a heard of Sambars came grazing near Bordevi. Forest department scared away the group but one of the animal came back and stemped on the sleeping people. At least five people were injured and taken to Junagadh hospital.

Kishore Kotecha's Comments :- Man – Animal conflict! But it is bound to happen if you enter someone's house. On side, as Girnar is declared as Sanctuary area lion count has reached about 35 and also equally have rised other wild animal population. Is Parikrama  whose route is through the sanctuary is advisible? Or should another Parikrama route be developed outside the sanctuary boundries?

GenNext gung-ho about Girnar Parikrama

30-10-2009
GenNext gung-ho about Girnar Parikrama
Times of India By Kulsum Yusuf
Print Edition

Looks like GenNext is making its presence felt at the Girnar Parikrama. The profile of devotees who are undertaking the annual pilgrimage, that officially began on Thursday, shows that several youngsters are joining in.

Thousands of devotees landed in Junagadh from where the parikrama begins. Earlier, when one visited Girnar Taleti area, one would see people above 50 years. But now, the scenario has changed. Of the 6 to 7 lakh visitors, 40 per cent are in the 18 to 35 age group.

Though it's mainly undertaken for religious or spiritual purpose, now collegians and environmental activists come in groups to enjoy nature in the lap of Mount Girnar.

"We are seeing a new trend. Earlier, only elderly people used to come for the pilgrimage. But, now more and more youngsters are joining it. The best part is that they're aware about environment protection, water conservation and importance of saving forests," said Junagadh district collector Ashwani Kumar. "For me its not only a spiritual journey but also and adventure to hike more than 30 km in the jungle in the company of so many people," says Heena Prajapati, mother of two who belongs to Rajkot.

She says with limited finances it has not been possible for her to plan a nature trail. Her cousin Leela came up with this idea. "We have come with in-laws and are having a great time. Next time, I plan to bring my elder son too," says an upbeat Heena.

College students Deep Malya and Vaibhav Khavnekar reached Junagadh on Thursday evening with their group. They're mixing business with pleasure. Their group 'Nature Lovers' will join the pilgrims and educate them about the forest and trees.

Nilesh Vekariya, who works in a finance company in Mumbai, is here for the sixth time. "I find peace here far from life in a metro," he says. As for Altaf Junach, he and his friends are volunteers in a community kitchen near Jina Bava ni Madhi area. There are around 100 such kitchens on the way which provide free food for pilgrims. Neha from Jamnagar has joined her grandparents in the parikrama. "For me, it's a totally different experience as I'm able to mingle with people from all over the country. I feel closer to nature."

Parikrama draws thousands in Rajkot

31-10-2009

Parikrama draws thousands in Rajkot

DNA Dhimant Kairya

http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_parikrama-draws-thousands-in-rajkot_1305267

 

Junagadh, one of the most important historical places in Gujarat, draws the attention of thousands of travellers from across the state during Shivratri Mela, Girnar parikrama and Girnar climbing competition. Like every year, this year too, a large number of people across the state have come to the city for performing the 36-km 'Lili Parikrama' (spiritual walk) around the Girnar mountain.

 

The parikrama, as usual, began on Thursday night, the day of Tulsi Vivah, also known as Dev Diwali, from the foot of the mountain, where the pilgrims spent the night. On Friday morning, the parikrma was started from Dudheshwar Mahadev temple.

 

They would spend the night at the Saint Jinabava's hut. The next day they would reach Malvela, the place surrounded by high climbers located in the midst of Girnar forest.

The next morning, they leave for southern forest and reach to Bordevi, temple of Goddess Ambika. On Tuesday morning, the pilgrims would return to Bhavnath Taleti at the foot of the mountain.

 

Authorities like municipal corporation, health department, state transport, forest, water supply, police, in addition to social and religious organisations, are on the job of helping about one million pilgrims expected this year.

Mayor, deputy mayor booked under Arms act

31-10-2009
Mayor, deputy mayor booked under Arms act
Press Trust of India
http://www.ptinews.com/news/356774_Mayor--deputy-mayor-booked-under-Arms-act

Junagadh Municipal Corporation (JMC) Mayor and Deputy Mayor have been booked for allegedly breaching the Arms act, police said here today.

JMC Mayor Satish Captain, Deputy Mayor Girish Kotecha and one Shernath Bapu have been booked under the act for allegedly opening fire from their licenced revolvers at Girnar Parikrama yesterday, police said.

Junagadh's Sub Inspector N B Joshi lodged the complaint with Junagadh 'A' division police station against the three, police said.

However, no action has been taken against the three so far, they said.

Meanwhile, Bharat Sadhu Samaj has demanded that complaints against the three be withdrawn.