Prelims: Current events of national and international importance | Environment
Why in News?
Recently, the Gujarat government restructured the Porbandar Forest Division to enhance forest management and develop the Barda area as a “second home” for Asiatic lions.
Barda Landscape
- It has been identified as an alternative habitat, or “second home,” for Asiatic lions.
- Located in – Gujarat, near the Porbandar–Jamnagar region.
Asiatic lions naturally returned to Barda after 143 years.
- Objectives
- Reduce the concentration of lions in the Gir landscape.
- Provide additional habitat for the species.
- Improve long-term conservation and population management.
Restructuring of the Porbandar Forest Division
- Key measures – It includes
- Establishment of new forest ranges and beats.
- Clear allocation of responsibilities based on geographic areas.
- Deployment of two Assistant Conservators of Forests (ACFs).
- Consolidation of personnel and equipment resources.
- Improved patrolling, forest conservation and wildlife-management operations.
- Key Administrative Changes – Porbandar and Ranavav have been designated as separate administrative beats.
- The total number of forest ranges has been increased to seven.
- All forest ranges will now fall under the jurisdiction of the Junagadh Wildlife Circle.
- Porbandar Range
- Comprises 80 villages.
- Covers an area of 6,840.84 hectares.
- Ranavav Range
- Comprises 27 villages.
- Covers an area of 13,051.25 hectares.
- An area of 305.94 hectares from Bhatia Range (Jamnagar) has been transferred to Bhanwad Range (Porbandar).
- Kutiyana and Ranavan Social Forestry Ranges have been incorporated under the Porbandar Forest Division.
- Significance
- Habitat security – It expands habitat reduces pressure on the Gir region.
- Conservation – It Strengthens landscape-level management and protection.
Reference
The Print | Second Home for Lions
