Spl Rs 350-cr package for conservation of Gir lions: Minister

Gujarat Forests and Tribal Welfare Minister Ganpatsinh Vasava Sunday said the state government has prepared a Rs 350-crore special package for conservation and protection of lions in Gir.

He said the government envisages to set up a hospital for lions, centres for treatment and research and host of other services under the package.

"The state governmenthas prepared a Rs 350-crore special package for conservation and protection of lions," the minister said in a statement after visiting the Statue of Unity at Kevadiya in neighbouring Narmada district Saturday.

The minister said he visited the site for reviewing and monitoring works on 35 upcoming projects.

He stated that among other things the government proposes to monitor lions through drones and engage a special ambulance van for big cats.

"Four ambulance vans equipped with the latest technology have been purchased for the treatments of lions. The collars for the big cats are being purchased from Germany," the minister said.

Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary is a forest and wildlife sanctuary in Gujarat for protection of Asiatic lions.