25 lion trackers deployed on Mt. Girnar; 15 more sanctioned for Shetrunjay Hill

The state forest department has deployed 25 wildlife trackers to monitor the three stairways of Mount Girnar in Junagadh district around the clock. This move comes after a tragic incident on July 11, where a 12-year-old boy was dragged and killed by a lion while ascending the stairs. The trackers will rotate their duties and have undergone training in wildlife behavior, pilgrim safety, and human-wildlife conflict mitigation.

In addition, the department has approved the appointment of 15 trackers for Shetrunjay Hill, a site revered by Jains in Palitana, Bhavnagar district. This decision was made following a meeting between Jain community leaders and Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia. Since June, Gujarat has seen an increase in lion attacks on humans, prompting the government to take action.

The trackers will be responsible for day-and-night surveillance at Shetrunjay Hill, with the aid of drones and watchtowers. Four prefabricated cabins will also be constructed at the hill to further enhance safety.