Ahmedabad: The Gujarat forest and
environment department has banned entry of vehicles on the
roads passing through Gir National Park and Sanctuary, the
last abode of Asiatic Lions, at night.
The move by the forest department will give a much
needed relief to the wildlife in the Gir as about 10 important
roads pass through the sanctuary. This step will decrease the
risk of accident to animals and also save it from noise
pollution.
"The forest department has taken this step to ensure
safety of lions and other animals in the wildlife sanctuary.
Earlier, some cases of injury to animal were recorded due to
accident caused by vehicular traffic in the Gir forest area,"
Principal Secretary, Forest and Environment Department SK
Nanda said.
"This is the season of arrivals of new lion cubs and
at this time it is very important that they get peace at least
in nights," Nanda said.
"Only in case of emergencies, we will allow vehicular
traffic from the protected forest areas at nights," Nanda
further said.
As per the last survey conducted by the state forest
department in 2010, Gir has a population of 411 Asiatic lions
and numerous other animals.
The protected area under the sanctuary is about 900
square kms but lions are also usually found straying in the
peripheral villages of Gir.
PTI
