The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has issued a preliminary notification declaring more than 1.84 lakh hectares surrounding the Gir Protected Area as an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ).
- Sasan Gir National Park in Gujarat is the last remaining natural abode of Asiatic Lions .
- This initiative will balance the conservation of the Asiatic lions’ at Gir. It is the only place in the world outside Africa where a lion can be seen in its natural habitat.
- This ESZ comprising a total of 1,84,466.20 hectares will cover 24,000 hectares of forest area and 1.59 lakh hectares of non-forest area.
- It will also include 196 villages, 17 river corridors and 4 key lion movement corridors.
- As per the notification, the Eco-Sensitive Zone distance from the sanctuary will range from 2.78 kilometers to 9.50 kilometers.
- Gujarat has set aside 1,468.16 square kilometres for lions and wildlife, which includes the Gir National Park, Gir, Paniya, and Mitiyala Wildlife Sanctuaries.
- According to the Supreme Court and central government regulations, ESZs must be declared around these protected areas.
- Until an ESZ is officially notified, a 10-kilometer zone remains in effect as per guidelines. Thus, until now, a 10-kilometer zone was enforced around Gir.
