In order to develop eco-tourism zone and second lion safari on the outskirts of Gir Forest, the Gujarat Government filed an affidavit before the Gujarat High Court and said that the upcoming eco-tourism zone will not affect the movement of lions as tourism activities would take place during the daytime. The Safari Park was planned way back in 2008 but got delayed following a PIl challenging the development of Safari Park. Even the Central Zoo Authority of India had approved the project situated at Ambardi villager in Amreli district, about 60 km from tourism hot spot and Union Territory – Diu. However, a Suo Motu PIl in the High Court showing concern over the lion habitat due to possible tourist movement in the area.
Assuring the court, the Gujarat Government informed that as the eco-tourism project is coming up on the outskirts of the Gir Sanctuary – an only abode of Asiatic lions, the eco-tourism zone will not affect the lion movement. The State Government also filed an affidavit before the Bench of acting Chief Justice VM Sahai and Justice RP Dohalaria by the State forest department, in which it said that movement of lions are reported only during the night and tourists would be allowed to visit the eco-tourism zone during the day time.
The suo motu PIl was filed in September 2014 asking clarification from the State Government on upcoming eco-tourism project on the outskirts of Gir Sanctuary. “Though the tourist footfall in Gir increased from 1, 30,285 in 2006 to 4, 58,585 in 2013-14, it did not affect the corridors through which the lions move. The new eco-tourism zone will only reduce the burden on Sasan Gir area, which falls in Junagadh distirct as well as newly carved Gir Somnath district, said the State Government in the affidavit.