Gujarat wildlife board seeks review of land diversions

Seven present and former members of Gujarat's state board of wildlife have formally requested a review of several permissions and a proposed forest land diversion. These actions, they argue, jeopardize the Asiatic lion habitat within and around the Gir landscape. The group submitted a representation detailing concerns over mining, resort development, and the potential return of Maldhari families to protected areas.

A significant concern is the proposed diversion of 75 hectares of Babarkot Reserve Forest for mining, which the signatories claim threatens over 50 lions and other Schedule I wildlife. This area is identified as a lion corridor in the Gir Management Plan, a fact they state is misrepresented in the diversion proposal.

Further allegations include the recent permission for a folk artist to re-enter a ness in Lilapani, despite the family being resettled elsewhere. This decision, they warn, has encouraged over 50 other Maldhari families to seek similar re-entry, undermining the government's resettlement schemes.

The representation also highlights the diversion of forest land near Khicha village for a resort, Leonia, which is accused of operating illegally. Although forest officials previously blocked access, the current administration has permitted it, setting a concerning precedent for commercial development on land approved only for residential use. The signatories noted that ongoing public interest litigations in the Gujarat High Court regarding lion corridors and unnatural deaths could be impacted, potentially leading to contempt of court if immediate action is not taken.