The Forest Department after having discussions with District Administration, the Indian Coast Guard, Gujarat Maritime Board has finally decided to reopen Pirotan Island for tourists.
A group from Jamanagar’s Navanagar nature club visited the island and hoisted the Indian flag on Republic Day.
The Island received complaints of illegal activities and intrusions in December 2017. It has remained closed since then. To avoid this, a lot of new regulations have been introduced this time around. Visitors will be required to take permission from the forest department at least three to four days prior to their visit. The permission if granted will be a day before the scheduled date.
The forest department will announce dates depending on tidal waves. Permissions will be granted to a maximum of 100 people in a day. While no more than 10 people in a group will be allowed. The visiting hours will be strictly between sunrise and sunset.
The visitors will be allowed in registered boats and will be under the supervision of forest staff or experts. No fishing boats will be allowed for safety reasons. Boat owners have been equipped with a radio to send a distress signal in case of an emergency. Also looking at the difficult terrain, it is not advised for elders and minor children to visit.
Pirotan Island located near Jamnagar is known for its marine life. Creatures like sea horses, squid, king crab, octopus, sea worms are seen among others. It also has many sea birds.
