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Abode of Asiatic lion gets grand makeover

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Sunset point at Bhalchel, amphitheatre, selfie points, watch tower at Devaliya have all been planned
Gujarat govt is leaving no stone unturned to enhance experience of visitors from the moment they enter Gir to the time they exit with a revamp of facilities by spending Rs 30 crore in three phases

By Nischal Sanghavi

The last dwelling place of the majestic Asiatic lion is getting spruced up. To elevate the viewing experience and make it a memorable visit for visitors, the State government is upgrading facilities in and around Gir National Park and Sanctuary. Popularly known as Sasan Gir, the forest and its adjoining areas have reportedly seen a 29 per cent rise in the lion population since the last census. From 523 lions as per the 2015 census, the lion population has grown to 674 as per the ‘poonam avalokan’ or full moon night observation held recently that replaced the Lion Census 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic in the state.

Gujarat Tourism Minister Jawahar Chavda said that the Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Limited has chalked out a facelift plan to enhance visitor experience and increase tourist re-visits.

Sunset point at Bhalchel, amphitheatre, selfie points, watch tower at Devaliya have all been planned

According to Dr Mohan Ram, Deputy Conservator of Forests, Gir, “The main attraction for tourists is the national park to see the Asiatic lions in the wild habitat with different species of animals, birds and reptiles co-existing to create their own ecosystem. We are creating and upgrading facilities outside the national park, where tourists can hang out and have a better experience of the Gir visit. One of the things planned is developing a sunset point at Bhalchel hill, where tourists can spend time after the jungle safari. The sunset point will also have facilities like amphitheatre, food court, selfie points etc. The tourist area of Devaliya Safari Park will also see a major makeover with a 30-meter high watch tower to enable people to get a top view of the jungle and carry out photography. Moreover, a complete make
over has been planned for the souvenir shops, food kiosks, seating arrangements and Gir interpretation zone.”

Gir already has an arboretum with almost 1,000 varieties of botanical trees. The campus is known to have a nesting place for a variety of bird species. The facility was sparingly used till now, but now the authorities have planned to provide a walking trail, where people can experience chirping birds with exotic variety of trees. Other additions to the place like children play area in between densely planted trees and selfie points will surely make it attractive for tourists. The nature park is also renovated as a beautiful camping site where student visitors can live amidst nature and learn about local flora and fauna.

The entire project is scheduled to be completed in 12 months. The first phase will cost Rs 11cr and the second phase Rs 16 cr. Final phase has creative part and will cost around Rs 3 cr
Jawahar Chavad, tourism minister
Tourism minister Chavda said, “The entire project is scheduled to be completed in 12 months. The first phase will cost Rs 11crore and the second phase Rs 16 crore. The tenders for the last and final phase have not been floated. This phase includes the creative part and will cost around Rs 3 crore. Apart from this, the government has also provided Devaliya Safari with 10 air-conditioned buses. The buses would have full-glass viewing safari buses similar to that in Singapore night safari. This is to avoid the experience of witnessing the king of the jungle from a cage.”

The reception plaza, orientation centre, gazebo, entry gate for Sinh Sadan which is the guesthouse and safari organiser will also be refurbished. The street of Sasan that gives one the experience of a village will also be revamped for people to get a feel of the jungle. “This was a long pending project that we had begun with the forest authorities that will provide total satisfaction to tourists from the moment they enter Gir to the time they exit.”

The new facilities
1.AC full-glass buses for safari
2. Revamp of Sasan streets
3.30m watch tower at Devaliya
4.Sunset point at Bhalchel hill
5.Birding and walking park in
between botanical trees
6.Renovation of camping site
7.New facilities at Sinh Sadan

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