NewKerala.com

Gujarat Boosts Wildlife Conservation & Eco-Tourism in Key Forest Sanctuaries

The Gujarat State Wildlife Board meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, reviewed key conservation and eco-tourism initiatives. Major developments include the Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary's inclusion in a national program and the confirmed presence of a tiger in Ratanmahal Sanctuary. The board discussed balancing growing visitor numbers with habitat protection through new eco-tourism guidelines. Infrastructure proposals and plans for managing the state's rising leopard population were also considered.

Key Points: Gujarat Wildlife Board Reviews Conservation, Eco-Tourism Plans

  • Jessore Sanctuary in National Sloth Bear Programme
  • Tiger presence recorded in Ratanmahal
  • Community training for tiger conservation planned
  • Eco-tourism to expand with visitor guidelines
  • Proposals for sanctuary infrastructure reviewed
2 min read

Gujarat: State Wildlife Board reviews conservation, eco-tourism plans

Gujarat's State Wildlife Board meeting focused on sloth bear and tiger conservation, eco-tourism management, and infrastructure in protected forest areas.

"The Chief Minister stressed the need to ensure that the increasing number of visitors to protected forest areas does not disturb wildlife habitats. - Official Statement"

Gandhinagar, Jan 21

The 26th meeting of the State Wildlife Board was held in Gandhinagar under the chairmanship of Bhupendra Patel, with key discussions centred on wildlife conservation, habitat protection and eco-tourism management in Gujarat's protected forest areas.

The meeting was attended by Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia and Minister of State for Forests Pravin Mali.

Officials informed the board that the Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary has been included in the National Sloth Bear Conservation Programme by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India.

It was also reported that the presence of a tiger has been recorded in the Ratanmahal Sloth Bear Sanctuary, with strong possibilities of the animal settling permanently in the region.

In this context, discussions were held on initiating community participation training programmes for tiger conservation in collaboration with the National Tiger Conservation Authority, aimed at involving local communities in protection efforts.

The Chief Minister stressed the need to ensure that the increasing number of visitors to protected forest areas does not disturb wildlife habitats. He directed the Forest Department to accelerate eco-tourism initiatives while simultaneously framing visitor policy guidelines to balance tourism with conservation.

The meeting also discussed Gujarat's growing leopard population and future planning for dedicated sanctuary spaces for rescued and rehabilitated leopards.

Several proposals related to infrastructure development within sanctuaries and national parks - including roads, water supply, optical fibre connectivity, renewable energy installations and power transmission lines - were placed before the board, with around 18 proposals considered for approval.

Legislators, including Mahesh Kaswala, Deva Malam and Malti Maheshwari, shared suggestions focused on strengthening wildlife conservation measures.

The meeting was conducted by Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Jaypal Singh. Senior officials present included Additional Chief Secretary of the Forest and Environment Department Vinod Rao, Head of Forest Force A.P. Singh, other Principal Chief Conservators of Forests, and senior officers from the Forest Department.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rahul R
A tiger in Ratanmahal? That's incredible! But I hope the "infrastructure development" they're approving doesn't mean cutting forests for roads and power lines. The CM's point about visitors disturbing habitats is crucial. We've seen what happened in some hill stations. Balance is key.
A
Arun Y
Good to see community participation being planned. The local villagers are the first line of defence for these animals. Training them and involving them in protection will yield far better results than just having forest guards. This is the right approach.
S
Sarah B
As someone who loves visiting Gir, I fully support clear visitor guidelines. Last time I went, some tourists were being very loud and trying to get too close for photos. We need strict rules and education for tourists to behave responsibly.
K
Karthik V
While the intentions seem good, I'm always skeptical. Meetings happen, proposals are made, but what about ground-level implementation? How many of these 18 infrastructure proposals actually underwent proper environmental impact assessment? Hope it's not a rubber-stamp exercise.
M
Meera T
The plan for a dedicated sanctuary for rescued leopards is much needed! Human-leopard conflict is rising on city outskirts. A proper rehabilitation space can save so many animals. Gujarat is setting a good example in wildlife management. Proud of our state! 🐆

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50