Centre has declared 1.84 lakh hectares area surrounding the Gir Protected Area as an Eco Sensitive Zone (ESZ).  According to the official release issued by the state government today stated that this initiative will balance the conservation of the Asiatic lions’ at Gir-the only natural abode of Asiatic lions with sustainable development.

State Forest Minister Mulubhai Bera said currently, the area falling within 10 km of the outer boundary of the Gir Protected Area is considered ESZ where a total of 196 villages in three districts and 17 rivers are covered.  The New zone will include more than 24 thousand hectares of forest area and 1.59 lakh hectares of non-forest area.