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Time of India
24-05-2025
- Time of India
45-day Dharoi adventure fest inaugurated
Gandhinagar: Chief minister Bhupendra Patel on Friday inaugurated Dharoi Adventure Fest, a 45-day event at the Dharoi dam in Mehsana district. Being held for the first time, the festival will feature activities like parasailing, rock climbing, bouldering, trekking and hiking trails, mountain biking, cycling, and camping, among others. The chief minister also took a speed boat ride at the Dharoi dam, located about 75km from Ahmedabad. State tourism minister Mulu Bera and other officials also took a tour of the adventure zone and inaugurated a tent city that has been erected at the site for boarding and lodging facilities for visitors. The city has 21 tents and an air-conditioned dormitory with more than 100 beds, along with an air-conditioned cafeteria, an official statement said. The Dharoi dam and its vicinity areas are being developed as a sustainable tourism and pilgrimage destination as envisaged by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and it will be done in three phases, the govt said on Friday. The spiritual, adventure, eco, and recreational activities will boost tourism and create employment opportunities for the locals, the statement added. Last year, the state govt announced development plans for the area at a cost of Rs 1,100 crore, connecting Vadnagar, Taranga, Ambaji, and Rani Ki Vav in a radius of 90km. The govt said on Friday that it also plans to develop a tourism circuit connecting other pilgrimage spots in north Gujarat, such as Polo Forest, Taranga Hills, Vadnagar and Ambaji. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Brother's Day wishes , messages and quotes !
Indian Express
23-05-2025
- Indian Express
CM Bhupendra Patel inaugurates first-of-its-kind adventure fest at Dharoi Dam
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Friday inaugurated Dharoi Adventure Fest, a first-of-its-kind such event, at Dharoi Dam situated on the border of Mehsana and Sabarkantha districts. Various adventure activities and cultural programmes will be part of the festival, which is likely to go on for 45 days. Tented facilities have also been set up for tourists. The aim is to promote the place as a tourist destination. The CM inaugurated the adventure zone and experienced the thrill of a speedboat ride. He was accompanied by Tourism Minister Mulu Bera. An official release stated, '…the Dharoi Dam area is being transformed into a world-class, sustainable tourism and pilgrimage destination. The development of the Dharoi region will take place in three phases, enhancing tourism through spiritual, adventure, eco, and recreational activities. This initiative will not only boost visitor engagement but also generate local employment and promote the 'Vocal for Local' mission.' '… Dharoi is poised to be developed as an 'Iconic Place,' on par with other major tourist destinations across Gujarat. In addition, under the leadership of the Chief Minister, the state government is actively engaged in future planning to develop a tourism circuit by enhancing key tourist destinations and pilgrimage sites in North Gujarat, including Polo Forest, Taranga, Vadnagar, and Ambaji,' it added. Quoting Tourism Secretary Rajender Kumar, the release stated, '…the Dharoi Adventure Fest will span approximately 45 days, featuring a wide range of land-based, water-based and air-based adventure activities for tourists to experience and enjoy. To accommodate visitors, a tent city has been constructed at Dharoi. It includes a total of 21 various types of tents and an air-conditioned dormitory facility with more than 100 beds. '
Indian Express
21-05-2025
- General
- Indian Express
Asiatic lion population in Gujarat goes up from 674 to 891 in 5 years: CM Patel shares census details
The population of Asiatic lions in Gujarat has increased to 891 from 674 in 2020 according to the census conducted this month. The figures of the 16th Lion Population Estimation were released by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, on Wednesday, in presence of Forest Minister Mulu Bera, Minister of State Mukesh Patel and other top state government officials. Recording an increase of 217 lions, around 32% compared to the 15th lion census, the tally this time includes 196 males, 330 females, 140 sub-adults and 225 cubs. The 16th Lion Estimation Document released by CM Patel shared information about multiple trends witnessed during the exercise. Even as the total population of lions has increased by 217 (32.2%), the number of adult females has increased from 260 to 330 (26.92%), reinforcing the population's reproductive capacity, it states. The Asiatic lions are found in Gir National Park & Gir and Pania Wildlife Sanctuary and adjoining areas as the source (core) population. From this source, lions have dispersed and established distinct satellite populations in spatially separated areas, according to the information. 'During previous population estimations, seven of these satellite populations — Mitiyala Wildlife Sanctuary, Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary, the southwestern and southeastern coastal regions, Savarkundla-Liliya and its adjoining areas in Amreli, Bhavnagar Mainland and Bhavnagar Coast – were recorded,' the document shared by the CM said. In the 16th estimation, three new satellite populations have been documented. 'Among these, Barda Wildlife Sanctuary (near Porbandar) is a newly-established population. It is noteworthy to mention that the lions in Bards Wildlife Sanctuary were established after 1879 (the last known record). Therefore, the concept of a second home for the lions within the Gujarat state has been materialised, which will be helpful for the long-term conservation of the species,' the document further reads. The estimation has recorded 17 lions in Barda Wildlife Sanctuary. Another newly documented satellite population of lions recorded during the 2025 census includes lions from areas around Jetpur and Babra-Jasdan. The third newly recorded satellite population has been marked as 'Population in Corridors'. This is the population, the document reads, '…which lives in corridors and is a floating kind of population with significant potential for the future.' So, in all, 384 lions have been recorded in the core/source area of Gir National Park & Gir Wildlife Sanctuary and its adjoining areas and Pania Wildlife Sanctuary and its adjoining areas. At least 507 were found from outside of this core area. Principal Chief Conservator of Forest and Head of the Forest Force (PCCF & HoFF) A P Singh said, 'The carrying capacity of Gir Sanctuary and National Park (or the core area) is around 300-350. Here, the population of lions has increased to 384. What is important is that the expansion of lions outside protected areas has gradually increased…The population of such lions has reached 507.' In this context, Principal Secretary (Forest and Environment) Sanjeev Kumar said, 'The holding capacity of national park and sanctuaries will be increased by intervention and habitat improvement. There is still scope of increasing the holding capacity and the forest and environment department is working in that direction.' Steady increase in trend The distribution of lions is showing a steady increasing trend over the years, according to the document. In 1995, the distribution was over 10000 sq km. The range gradually increased over the years and in 2020 it was extended to 30000 sq km. In 2025, it has further extended to 35000 sq km. 'This progressive expansion demonstrates consistent range growth supported by conservation efforts and natural lion dispersal,' the estimation doc says. As per the estimation, total seven districts of Gujarat have recorded lion population; Junagadh, Gir-Somnath, Amreli, Bhavnagar, Porbandar, Rajkot, and Devbhumi-Dwarka. Amreli district holds the highest population of lions (339) in the Asiatic Lion Landscape followed by Gir-Somnath (222), Junagadh (191) and Bhavnagar (116). Porbadar, Rajkot and Devbhumi Dwarka districts have recorded 16, six and one lion (s) respectively, according to the document. 'No (lion) population has been recorded in Ahmedabad, Botad, Jamnagar and Surendranagar districts during the estimation,' said the document. The estimation has also provided distribution of lion locations across different land-use categories; forested areas and non-forested areas. It states, 'During the 16th lion population estimation, 891 lions were recorded at a total of 358 locations. Of these, 55.78% were found in forested areas, while the remaining 44.22% were located in non-forested areas. These non-forested areas include wasteland (27.61%), agriculture (9.88%), riverine areas (5.16%), agricultural plantations (9.88%) and areas adjacent to human habitation (0.34%).' PCCF & HoFF Singh said that farmers are very happy because of the increasing population of lions as it helps them control the menace of blue bulls and wild boars. 'The lion movement is recorded at places where there is (population of) blue bull and wild boars in agriculture areas, which was a difficulty for farmers. If you ask the farmers, they are very happy. Wherever the lion is going, their agriculture is protected. For lions, the prey base is more important than water and shelter. Accordingly, the movement (of lion) is taking place,' Singh said. The census was conducted between May 10 and 13 using the Direct Beat Verification method. To ensure systematic sampling and data collection, the Asiatic Lion Landscape was divided into eight regions, 32 zones, 112 sub-zones and 735 sampling units. Each sampling unit was teamed up with an enumerator and two assistant enumerators, ensuring thorough survey and data collection. Each team was equipped with essential field gear, including a wireless walkie-talkie, binoculars, torchlights, GPS instruments, digital cameras and other gadgets. To enhance transparency and credibility, experts from various fields, members of the state board for wildlife, and individuals experienced in group dynamics and pride behaviour were invited as independent observers. People from different fields and NGOs were also included as volunteers. In all, the estimation exercise involved 3,254 people. Sarpanches of different concerned villages were also part of the exercise. A statement from the state government on the results of the estimation said, 'This population estimation exercise and the results are very encouraging and reflects the state government's commitment to the conservation and scientific management of Asiatic lions.'
Indian Express
20-05-2025
- Indian Express
In a first, state govt to organise Dharoi Adventure Fest in Mehsana
The Gujarat government has organised a first-of-its-kind Dharoi Adventure Fest at Dharoi dam in Mehsana district, according to the official statement. The fest will be inaugurated by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on May 23. The event is going to be organised for 30 days and could be extended for up to 45 days if the weather permits, officials familiar with the matter said. According to the official release, the fest is jointly being organised by Gujarat Tourism department and Adventure Tour Operators Association of India. The festival will include over 10 activities of thrill on land, water and sky along with cultural programmes, according to the government statement. The fest will also include accommodation facilities in modern tents. Quoting Gujarat Tourism Minister Mulu Bera, the release stated that the activities such as power boat, parasailing, paramotoring, rock climbing, bouldering, tacking, hiking, mountain biking, cycling, camping will also be included in the fest. The tourists can also enjoy activities such as star gazing, astronomy camp, nature walk etc during the fest, the release stated.
Time of India
10-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
2025 lion count flagged off from Sasan Gir
Rajkot: State forest minister Mulu Bera on Saturday flagged off the 16th Lion Population Estimation from Sasan Gir , marking its official population counts are conducted every five years. The 2025 estimation will take place in two phases from May 10 to May 13. It will cover 58 talukas in 11 districts, over 35,000 sq km, using the direct beat verification 2020 census had put the official count of Asiatic lions at 674. This time, the region has been divided into regions, zones and sub-zones for the count. For the first time, the operation will include 600 village sarpanches alongside forest department workers, NGOs and citizen volunteers. There are 3,254 volunteers participating in the ensure transparency, experts from diverse fields have been roped in as independent the use of modern technology in the estimation, Bera said tools such as high-resolution cameras and camera traps will be used to collect data. Operation Sindoor After Pak dials India, both sides agree to stop firing; top military officials to talk on May 12 'Armed forces remain operationally ready': India after ceasefire announcement 'Any future act of terror will ...': India's big stand against Pak A hi-tech monitoring unit has been set up at Sasan for data integration and analysis. The final findings will be announced by chief minister Bhupendra lions are radio-collared, which will help locate them and their e-GujForest application will help in real-time data entry of lion observations, enhancing accuracy. This data will be supported with GPS locations and photos. GIS software will also be used to delineate survey areas and develop detailed maps to track lion movements, distribution patterns and habitat use," a forest department official officials present on the occasion included forest secretary Sanjeev Kumar, senior forest officers Jaypalsinh, A P Singh and R K Sugur, Junagadh's wildlife warden Ram Ratan Nala and deputy conservator of forests (Sasan) Dr Mohan State forest minister Mulu Bera on Saturday flagged off the 16th Lion Population Estimation from Sasan Gir, marking its official population counts are conducted every five years. The 2025 estimation will take place in two phases from May 10 to May 13. It will cover 58 talukas in 11 districts, over 35,000 sq km, using the direct beat verification 2020 census had put the official count of Asiatic lions at 674. This time, the region has been divided into regions, zones and sub-zones for the count. For the first time, the operation will include 600 village sarpanches alongside forest department workers, NGOs and citizen volunteers. There are 3,254 volunteers participating in the ensure transparency, experts from diverse fields have been roped in as independent the use of modern technology in the estimation, Bera said tools such as high-resolution cameras and camera traps will be used to collect data. A hi-tech monitoring unit has been set up at Sasan for data integration and analysis. The final findings will be announced by chief minister Bhupendra lions are radio-collared, which will help locate them and their e-GujForest application will help in real-time data entry of lion observations, enhancing accuracy. This data will be supported with GPS locations and photos. GIS software will also be used to delineate survey areas and develop detailed maps to track lion movements, distribution patterns and habitat use," a forest department official officials present on the occasion included forest secretary Sanjeev Kumar, senior forest officers Jaypalsinh, A P Singh and R K Sugur, Junagadh's wildlife warden Ram Ratan Nala and deputy conservator of forests (Sasan) Dr Mohan Ram.
