Rajya Sabha MP and director of Corporate Affairs at Reliance Industries Limited Parimal Nathwani has called for the need to develop more areas like Barda Hills Wildlife Sanctuary for the Gir lions.
Nathwani, whose coffee table book ‘Call of the Gir’ was recently released, was interacting with media persons in Ahmedabad on Friday.
On July 31, Nathwani had presented the first copy of his book to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi.
In his message, Anant Ambani, initiator of the Vantara Project, Anant Ambani had said that in a world where wildlife is shrinking rapidly, the book is a reminder that we have a responsibility to protect and cherish our natural heritage.
A wildlife enthusiast, who has a special love for the Gir lions, Nathwani said there is a need for new safaris. He said that the lions are seen in 14 districts of the state and go as far as Pipavav Port, Amreli, Somnath, Chorwad and Jamnagar. Currently, Barda has four cubs, two lionesses and one line, he pointed out.
The Rajya Sabha MP from Andhra Pradesh said that this issue was discussed with the Prime Minister. The need to develop tourism in the Gir was also discussed. He said that there is a need to have good hotels for foreigners.
Another important issue discussed with the Prime Minister was to auction the trees that fell in the Gir during the cyclone. These trees prove to be a hindrance in the movement of the lions.
While speaking about his connection with the lions for the last 35 years, Nathwani also advocated the need for expanding the airstrip of the Keshod Airport. The nearest airport to Gir is Keshod, which is about 110 kilometres away.
He strongly felt that the lion should get as much attention as the tiger.
About the book: ‘Call of the Gir’ is Nathwani’s second book and is published by the internationally known publisher QUIGNOG. In 2017, he had written a book on ‘Gir Lions: Pride of Gujarat’. It was published by the Times Group Books (TGB).
‘Call of the Gir’ is less text-heavy and more pictorial as compared to the previous book. The book deals with some rare pictures of lions climbing trees, licking mineral blocks, cajoling and love-making, playing with cubs, eating the prey, etc. The book also depicts the vivid biodiversity and flora and fauna of the Gir. The texts and pictures in the book are a reflection of Nathwani’s intense love and passion for the Gir and its rich wildlife as well as trees and water streams.
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