Gandhinagar : Number of lions in the state has increased by 29 % in last five years, said chief minister Bhupendra Patel. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said that, we have strengthened the spirit of coexistence of Indian culture by protecting, conserving and nurturing wildlife with the sacramental heritage of “Jivo ane Jivva Do” (live and let live). We want development along with maintaining our forest heritage, wildlife and marine life. CM concluded the state-wide wildlife week celebrated by the Forest Department every year for a week from 2nd October to 8th October by participating in a video conference from Gandhinagar. State Forest and Environment Minister Kirit Singh Rana from Jamnagar as well as public representatives, office bearers from number of places across the state as well as forest lovers, wildlife lovers, voluntary organizations, forest workers-officers and students joined the function through ‘Bisag’ setcom. Patel detailed on the efforts made by the state government to protect wildlife in Gujarat, which has 23 sanctuaries and 4 national parks as well as Asiatic Lions. State Government’s forest department has made intensive use of technology to strengthen the wildlife tracking system. The government has developed technological facilities like radio caller system, vehicle facility with tracking device and GPS, rescue center for treatment of injured wildlife and animal care ambulance. The population of Gir lions has reached 674 today. Compared to 2015, the lion population has increased by 28.87 percent in 2020, added CM.
The government has spent Rs. 16 crore in five years for the construction of a parapet of open wells in Gir forest areas as wild animals often die prematurely due to open wells in forest areas. CM also described the new approach taken by the government to preserve and protect the diversity of wildlife in Gujarat. Velavadar blackbuck National Park has started lesser florican breeding program. The tagging system has been developed for the purpose of obtaining scientific data of birds belonging to the critically endangered category. A 24×7 automatic response system has been developed to resolve wildlife queries or to help the people in need. He added that anyone can get the contact details and help from the nearest forest officer or personnel by simply sending an SMS or WhatsApp to the phone number 8320002000. CM also said that the government has given systematic training, guidance and institutionalized process to the volunteers and NGOs for the rescue operation of snakes in the state. He also added that the Forest Department has also planned to set up 2 mega rescue cum rehabilitation centers in the state during this year to develop proper arrangements for rescue and rehabilitation of leopards. He congratulated the department for making Wildlife Week a strong communicating platform in inculcating the value of conservation of wildlife. CM Patel also released the book “Population Estimation”, an integrated report on the growth of birds in the Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary and Thol Wildlife Sanctuary during the two decades from 2000 to 2020. State Forest and Environment Minister KiritSinh Rana said that our Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave us idea and inspired us for the conservation of wildlife as a result, the number of wildlife is increased. He lauded on the public awareness activities, drawing competitions, seminars etc. conducted by the Forest Department during this week. Additional Chief Secretary of Forest Environment Arun Kumar Solanki in his welcome address clarified the purpose of this week’s celebration.
