The Forest Department in Gujarat has taken action against five people who entered a restricted area in the Gir forest to see lions without permission.
On the night of June 5, forest staff stopped a car in the Kodiya Vedma area of the Khambha Tulsishyam range in Dhari Gir East. The group included two people from Bhavnagar and three from Khambha. They had entered the protected zone illegally, hoping to spot lions.
The Forest Department fined them ₹90,000 under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and also filed a legal case.
Officials say such incidents are increasing and are harmful to wildlife and safety. The Gir forest is the only natural home of Asiatic lions, and protecting them is a top priority.
The department has warned that strict action will continue against those entering restricted areas or disturbing animals. People are urged to avoid illegal safaris and support lion conservation.
Past Incidents:
January 2023: Eight people were fined ₹1.2 lakh for an illegal lion show in Gir West.
February 2022: Tourists from Surat were caught trying to film lions in a protected area of Amreli for social media.
2021: A man in Junagadh was arrested for organizing a private ‘lion show’ and charging money.
Due to such cases, forest officials have increased patrolling and surveillance to protect the lions.