Despite a directive from the Gujarat State Human Rights Commission (GSHRC), unauthorised websites are still advertising bookings for Asiatic lion safaris, sidestepping regulations and misleading tourists. In September, the GSHRC issued a notice to the forest department seeking an explanation for these illegal bookings, yet several private websites continue to offer the service.
An investigation has identified seven to eight private sites that regularly appear in online search results for “lion safari Gujarat,” often ranking higher than the official government booking portal. While the government site’s next available safari slot is listed for 15 November, these private platforms are promoting slots as early as 12 November—a date currently waitlisted on the official portal. This discrepancy raises concerns over the regulation and security of wildlife tourism bookings in the state.
Following the GSHRC’s notice, Gujarat’s forest minister, Mulu Bera, pledged action against these websites, stating that complaints would be filed with the Cybercrime police. However, these unauthorised operators have made only minimal adjustments, such as rebranding their services under a “Gir Safari” section and continue to market their services as legitimate. Several sites list WhatsApp numbers for customer queries, with representatives falsely claiming to be authorised agents.
A senior forest official, speaking anonymously, noted that one portal even uses the term “official website” in its branding, misleading potential visitors. “A forest official stationed in Gir should file the complaint as these websites are misusing government credentials and deceiving the public,” a Gandhinagar-based senior officer said. He added that the department should actively engage Cybercrime police to close down these platforms instead of waiting for formal complaints.
There are growing concerns that these unauthorised websites are manipulating the official booking system, allowing them to bypass government waitlists and sell safari permits at inflated prices. For example, several of these websites quoted Rs 10,000 to Rs 12,000 for a morning safari on 12 November—a date already marked as fully booked on the government portal. “It seems they are blocking permits and then selling them at premium rates,” a Gir-based forest official said.
The unauthorised activities extend beyond safaris, with some sites even advertising guided tours to Kankai Temple, an area restricted to pilgrims and devotees. “The temple trustees should be involved in filing complaints as they have no association with these tours,” commented a senior official.
Efforts by the forest department to curb these illegal operations have faced setbacks. An attempt to file a First Information Report (FIR) against the websites failed due to the lack of direct victims, while attempts to pursue impersonation charges have been hindered after the websites removed lion images and government logos from their pages.
“Despite warnings and notices from the GSHRC, these sites are operating unchecked,” remarked a senior Gandhinagar official. Technical and procedural challenges have so far impeded legal action, leaving unauthorised operators to continue profiting from the state’s premier wildlife attraction.
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