Gujarat : CM Combines Temple Visit With Wildlife Review in Gir
Gujarat : Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel spent Thursday balancing faith and fieldwork, beginning the day with prayers at the Dwarkadhish Temple in Dwarka before moving on to review wildlife conservation measures in Sasan Gir. The visit combined religious observance with administrative oversight, reflecting the state government’s parallel focus on cultural heritage and environmental protection.
Prayers and Rituals at a Historic Shrine
At the Dwarkadhish Temple, the Chief Minister followed traditional customs, offering prayers and participating in prescribed rituals. According to officials, he prayed for peace, prosperity, and well-being across Gujarat and briefly interacted with devotees gathered at the temple complex. The visit took place under standard security arrangements, allowing worshippers to continue their rituals without disruption.
Official Reception by District Administration
During the temple visit, the district administration formally welcomed Patel by presenting him with a ceremonial shawl and a miniature replica of the Dwarkadhish Temple. Several senior officials attended the occasion, including local legislators and top district officers. The interaction remained brief and ceremonial, in keeping with the religious setting.
Evening Walk Through Sasan Gir Market
The Chief Minister arrived in Sasan Gir on Wednesday evening and took time to walk through the local marketplace. He spoke with residents, tourists, and shopkeepers, stopping at stalls selling regional products such as mango-based items from the Gir belt and handicrafts inspired by the Asiatic lion. Officials said he also interacted with students and women from the area and spent time at a roadside tea stall engaging in informal conversation with locals.
Early Morning Safari in Gir Forest
On Thursday morning, Patel undertook a jungle safari inside Gir National Park, accompanied by forest officials. During the safari, he observed Asiatic lions and other wildlife in their natural surroundings. The visit included the Keramba Thana area, where lions were sighted in two separate forest zones, offering officials an opportunity to brief him on recent monitoring efforts.
Current Status of Asiatic Lion Population
Forest authorities informed the Chief Minister that the latest population assessment estimates 891 Asiatic lions across Gir and other designated lion habitats in the Saurashtra region. The figure reflects continued conservation efforts aimed at stabilizing and gradually expanding the species’ range while minimizing human-wildlife conflict.
New Vehicles Flagged Off for Forest Staff
Following the safari, Patel flagged off a new fleet of 183 vehicles for forest personnel deployed in Gir, the extended Gir landscape, and other forested areas of Gujarat. The vehicles are intended to enhance patrolling, wildlife protection, rescue operations, and rehabilitation work, particularly in remote and sensitive zones.
Details of the Newly Deployed Fleet
According to the Forest Department, the fleet includes 174 field motorcycles, six Bolero Camper vehicles, and three specially modified rescue vehicles. Officials said the additional mobility is expected to improve response times and operational efficiency during emergencies involving wildlife or forest safety.
Review of Conservation Measures Under Project Lion
As part of the tour, the Chief Minister visited a Forest Department rescue centre, where officials briefed him on ongoing initiatives under Project Lion. The programme follows a multi-layered strategy for monitoring, protecting, and sustaining the Asiatic lion population and its habitat. Officials also noted that 13 designated routes are currently operational for jungle safaris and wildlife viewing in the Gir Safari Park and surrounding areas.