How Gujarat Is Protecting Gir Lions During Cyclone Biparjoy

Cyclone Biparjoy, a rare and extremely severe storm that ripped through Kutch and parts of the Saurashtra region of Gujarat, left a trail of destruction as gusty winds and rains wreaked havoc on the Indian coastline.

The cyclone with powerful winds reaching up to 125 miles per hour blew off roofs, damaged power lines, and uprooted countless trees.

Despite the circumstances, Gujarat was very successful in keeping the losses of lives (animal and human) to a minimum. This was the result of a very effective strategy of disaster preparation and timely response.

As Cyclone Biparjoy approached, the Gujarat government come up with a zero-casualty approach to protect its extensive wildlife. The Asiatic lions, known as the pride of Gujarat are getting a great deal of attention, with 184 teams under nine divisions and 58 control rooms mobilized for them.

In a press release, the Gujarat forest department said that 184 teams have been deployed for action in the Asiatic lion zone to rescue wild animals which are likely to be affected due to the very severe cyclonic storm Biparjoy.

Additionally, special rescue teams were deployed in the Gir forest of Junagadh for Asiatic lions, at Narayan Sarovar sanctuaries in Kutch and Barda.

"Apart from Asiatic lions of Junagadh's Gir forest, rescue teams have been strategically deployed at Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary in Kutch, Barda Wildlife Sanctuary in Porbandar, among other places," it said.

The forest department said that teams will be monitoring the situation with the help of 58 control rooms.

While some radio-collared lions are being tracked through satellite signals, others are being tracked by the forest staff. The movement of 40 lions living near the coastal areas is also being closely monitored, said the release.

Teams have been placed at locations along seven rivers and reservoirs inhabiting the lions for rescue work. Similarly, four rescue teams have been dispatched to Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary and 13 teams consisting of five members deployed in Kutch circle in the Great Rann of Kutch.

"We are fully prepared and equipped to meet the challenges of this cyclone. Since the government informed us in advance, we have our SOP ready. We have created diverse teams to tackle the challenges," Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Chief Wildlife Warden, Nityanand Srivastav said.

Gujarat is the sole abode of Asiatic lions, which are declared as endangered because of its small population size and area of occupancy. There are nearly 600 Asiatic lions left in the Gir Forest, their last remaining natural habitat.