The Gujarat government has introduced safety measures, including a permanent wildlife check post and round-the-clock deployment of 25 forest trackers, following a fatal lion attack on an 11-year-old pilgrim at Girnar hill near Junagadh district. These decisions were made after a high-level meeting of the Forest and Environment Department, where Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel urged urgent actions to enhance pilgrim safety at Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary. The meeting, attended by officials including Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia, focused on steps to prevent similar incidents after the tragic death of Mayur Chauhan.
To ensure continuous monitoring of wildlife movement, the government will establish permanent check posts at sensitive locations in Girnar Sanctuary. Additionally, a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) will be developed under the Junagadh Collector’s guidance to cover aspects like pilgrim safety, wildlife management, and inter-departmental coordination. Around 25 Forest Department trackers will be stationed along the Girnar pilgrimage route for constant vigilance, while thermal drone surveillance will be employed for wildlife monitoring.
In a bid to reduce human-wildlife conflict, the Girnar and Datar stairway routes will be designated as a permanent “Silence Zone,” with restrictions on loud music and unnecessary noise. An awareness campaign will educate pilgrims and locals on appropriate behavior in wildlife habitats. The government plans to install advisory signboards and safety instructions along the pilgrimage route to guide visitors, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a balance between pilgrim safety and wildlife conservation in Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary.
