Gandhinagar, August 18: Gujarat’s Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia announced on Tuesday that the Forest Department will deploy drones, tracking teams, and new watch towers on the Shatrunjay Hills in Palitana. This initiative aims to monitor the activities of Asiatic lions and enhance the safety of pilgrims visiting this significant Jain pilgrimage site.
During a meeting in Gandhinagar with Jain leaders from the ‘Shri Anandji Kalyanji Pedhi’, Modhwadia discussed these measures following multiple lion sightings in the Bhavnagar district. State Minister Praveen Mali was also present at the meeting.
Modhwadia stated that 24-hour surveillance will be established using drones, four pre-fabricated watch towers, and four pre-fabricated center-cum-cabins. Continuous tracking and scanning of lion activities will ensure the safety of thousands of pilgrims who trek the hills.
He noted, “The Forest Department has closely monitored and analyzed lion activities in this area over the past year.” Modhwadia explained that lions typically attack humans only when provoked but can do so if disturbed. He advised pilgrims to start their ascent after sunrise and complete their journey before sunset due to the presence of wildlife.
The minister also mentioned that the government is considering declaring this area a ‘silent zone’. He added that local youth will be temporarily hired for lion tracking, and the pilgrimage route will be repaired to facilitate easier access while considering environmental concerns.
Modhwadia instructed Forest Department officials to implement the proposed arrangements and facilities in the near future. The meeting also covered topics such as public awareness and coordination, wildlife conservation, infrastructure and housing management, lion tracking and scanning, pre-fabricated watch towers and cabins, human resource development, drone technology, project management consultancy, the potential for a silent zone, and special activities like the ‘6 Gau Yatra’.
The Forest Department presented proposed safety measures. Officials reported that they have closely monitored lion presence and activities around Shatrunjay Hills over the past year. This step comes in response to increasing attention on lion sightings along the pilgrimage route. In recent months, Asiatic lions have been spotted near Shatrunjay Hills, including a sighting in June.
Modhwadia also highlighted the arrangements made by the Forest Department during the last ‘Fagan Ferry’ and noted that the Jain community praised these efforts. Representatives from Shri Anandji Kalyanji Pedhi expressed their positive experiences working with the Forest Department on environmental and wildlife conservation issues. They emphasized the importance of pilgrims traveling with discipline and peace, avoiding disturbances to wildlife.
They stated, “Forest Department officials and staff have always been available to assist when needed.”
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