Ahead of World Lion Day on August 10, the Forest Department, in collaboration with environmentalists, has begun preparations to organise awareness programmes in schools across 11 talukas of Bhavnagar district. The initiative aims to promote understanding, empathy and peaceful coexistence between humans and lions.
A coordination meeting was held in Bhavnagar, where officials of the Forest Department and environmental activists discussed plans for the celebrations. Addressing the meeting, Assistant Conservator of Forests Bimal Bhatt stressed the importance of showing empathy and understanding in cases involving accidental encounters between lions and humans. Bimal Bhatt
The meeting also focused on strengthening coordination between the Forest Department, Education Department, schools and environmental organisations to ensure wide participation in the event. Officials discussed measures to spread awareness about lion conservation, clear misconceptions about the species, and educate people on safety precautions while living near lion habitats.
As part of the celebrations, rallies and awareness activities will be organised in schools across 11 talukas under the Bhavnagar Forest Department’s Bhavnagar, Mahuva, Sihor, Palitana, Jesar and Vallabhipur forest divisions. The programmes are aimed at encouraging students and local communities to support lion conservation while promoting safe human-wildlife coexistence.