Guj govt puts eco-tourism policy for Gir sanctuary before HC

Gujarat government today submitted its new eco-tourism policy for Gir Asiatic Lions Sanctuary to the state High Court proposing to ban commercial activities in declared eco-sensitive zone ('buffer zone') of around ten km around the periphery of the sanctuary.
Under the policy, submitted before the division bench of Justices Jayant Patel and R H Shukla, loud speakers would not be allowed except in the case of emergency situation and natural flow of water or a water-fall which is used by wild animals would not be allowed to be obstructed.
The disposal of wastes will be done in such a manner that no wild animals would be attracted to the disposal site, says the policy.

The owners of hotels or other commercial establishments in the area would have to plant and nurture 400 plants per hectare, the policy says. The policy also prevents use of flood-lights or electric fences.
"No construction activities will be allowed upto 100 metres from a river and 50 metres from a water stream or a canal," says the policy.
There would be restrictions on construction by farmers or members of the Maldhari community who reside on their farms in the scheduled area. Residential buildings cannot be taller than 13.5 metre in the radius of two kms from the boundary of the 10-km buffer zone.

The policy also states that 66 per cent of jobs in hotels and other establishments must go to the locals. Permission of the forest department would be needed to provide home-stay facility.
On June 11, the HC had asked the government to frame an eco-tourism policy specially for Gir. The HC took up the issue following a petition by Surat-based activist Rajkumar Sutaria complaining about illegal mining, construction and commercial activities in the area.