Here Is How Gujarat Made Sure That The Lions Of Gir Are Safe During Cyclone Biparjoy
Gujarat is still reeling under the devastation left behind by Cyclone Biparjoy, which made landfall on Thursday.
But thanks to a massive evacuation effort, the state managed to keep the fatality low, except for two people who were washed away while trying to save their cattle.
The authorities took care of not just human lives; extensive arrangements were also made to keep the wildlife safe from one of the strongest cyclones in recent times.
Gujarat is home to around 700 lions
Gujarat is home to some crucial wildlife, including the Asiatic lions, and in Gir forest, 184 teams under nine divisions and 58 control rooms are mobilized to keep an eye on them.
The Gir forest is the last refuge for nearly 700 Asiatic lions, making it crucial to ensure their protection.
The Gir East, Gir West, Sasan, Porbandar, Surendranagar, Jamnagar, Bhavnagar, Morbi and Junagadh Forest Divisions are all included in the Junagadh Wildlife and Territorial Circle where the teams were deployed.
How movement of lions was tracked
"Satellite technology is being used to monitor the movements of lions during natural calamities. The forest department has developed a high-tech lion movement monitoring system for tracking lions, in which radio collars are attached to some lions living in groups. Through that, their movements are recorded in the monitoring cell through a satellite link. At present, the monitoring team is keeping a special watch on 40 lions living in Gir forest area and coastal zone of the state," the state government said in a statement.
Teams were also placed at "special locations" in seven rivers across the Gir forest to rescue lions and human life. The people living in the Gir area were also moved to shelter homes.
A total of 46 safe shelters were created in Gir and 45 in Barda for people.
Rescue team put on standby
As seven rivers and water bodies are included in the lion zone, special teams have been stationed strategically close to these sites to execute rescue operations in the event of severe rain and flood flows. These groups will work to save both humans and lions. In addition, as a precaution, the Maldharis (pastoral communities) living in the Gir have been evacuated to safer areas.
Besides, 13 operational teams, six special wildlife rescue teams, have been sent to the sanctuary area of Kutch, known for its salt desert, flamingos and wild ass.
"The government is fully prepared to tackle the challenges posed by the cyclone," said Nityanand Srivastav, Chief Wildlife Warden of Gujarat.
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