(a) whether the Government has made any review of the functioning of the Gir National Park;
(b) if so, the findings thereof; and
(c) the details of the developmental works undertaken in the said National Park during the last three years?
(a) whether the Government has made any review of the functioning of the Gir National Park;
(b) if so, the findings thereof; and
(c) the details of the developmental works undertaken in the said National Park during the last three years?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS
(SHRI S. REGUPATHY)
(a)& (b) As per the information received from the State Government, the Management
Plan of Gir Protected Area (PA) was reviewed by the Management Plan Review Committee held
on 5th May 2006. The Committee decided the objectives of the new Management Plan for the
Gir PA as under:
1. Protect and conserve the Gir forests in a manner that is consistent
with the ultimate and perpetual conservation of Asiatic lion and all other life forms and
systems that together constitute this unique ecosystem.
2. Conserve and consolidate
the lion habitat.
3. Improve health of the forests, their ecological functions and
optimum productivity.
4. Reduce negative impacts on the biodiversity from anthropogenic
pressures.
5. Pursue ecological studies and ecological research for better understanding
of the ecosystem and provide greater scientific inputs for management.
6. Wildlife protection including anti-poaching and anti-encroachment works, protection
against illegal grazing, fire protection, habitat management, health care research and
monitoring, awareness and education, ecodevelopment and ecotourism are prioritized tasks
for the management of Gir PA.
(c) The developmental works undertaken in the Gir PA during the last three years, inter
alia, include:
1. Survey and demarcation
2. Habitat improvement works including removal of weeds.
3. Food and water facility for wildlife.
4. Nature education, extension and orientation.
5. Maintenance of watch towers, roads, buildings, wireless networks
6. Wildlife rescue, care and treatment
7. Forest fire protection
8. Ecodevelopment activities such as self-employment, community improvement works,
training and education of local people residing in the surrounding areas of Gir PA.
9. Plantation in degraded forest areas including improvement of reserve and non-reserve
grasslands.