Gir is the most popular tourist destination in Gujarat. In the holiday season, tourists throng to see the Asiatic Lions and that has caused the problem. The Gujarat High Court voiced its concern regarding the same.
The division bench of Justices J.B. Pardiwala and Niral R. Mehta said that lions should be allowed to live in peace and interactions between people and lions should be reduced in the interest of both. And asked the State Government to bring in a Policy in this matter after studying the measures adopted by other countries.
One NGO filed a PIL in the Gujarat High Court opposing the tourism zone in the Lion Sanctuary of Gujarat. Justice Pardiwala said, “What do you get out of it? Let them live in peace. Let the Lions and Lioness live in peace, why do you harass them? If anyone wants to have a look, they can go to the zoo. Don’t meddle with nature.” He further added that this too much interaction will cause lions to enter the towns.
One recent incident of a lion’s show was cited by Justice Mehta where a lion was lured with a live cow. Justice Mehta said,” Such shows will reduce the hunting skills of big cats and they will pose a big problem to humans.
The Gujarat Government said that the lions used in safaris are caged animals who have already lost their hunting skills.
The honorable bench has kept the matter for further hearing on December 3.
