Monks Seek End to Eco-Zone Status for Lion Sanctuary

A group of monks, under the banner of Girnar Sanrakshan Samiti, has formally requested the removal of the eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) designation for Gujarat's Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary. This conservation status, notified ten years ago and officially declared in 2016, protects a vital habitat for 54 lions. The Samiti submitted a memorandum with 60 demands, several of which directly contravene existing sanctuary regulations.

These demands include establishing electricity connections, obtaining permanent permission for annual festivals, constructing roads, and installing a power line to Dattatreya peak. They also seek exemption from forest rules, asserting prior existence of their sites. The group further requested permission for night stays, regular religious gatherings, and the use of plastic bags for essentials within the protected area. Additionally, they are seeking 200-250 acres for the annual Maha Shivratri fair.

Wildlife conservationists and forest department officials have voiced strong opposition, highlighting the sanctuary's critical importance for wildlife conservation. They note the significant increase in lion numbers from four in 1999 to 54 currently, attributing this success to sustained conservation efforts. Any relaxation of ESZ norms, they warn, could severely disrupt the fragile ecosystem and escalate the risk of man-animal conflict. Implementing such demands would require approval from state and national wildlife authorities.