Centre issues draft notification for Eco-Sensitive Zone around Gir protected area

The Centre has declared 1.84 lakh hectares around the Gir Protected Area as an Eco Sensitive Zone (ESZ) through a draft notification. This initiative aims to balance lion habitat conservation with sustainable development. The new ESZ covers forest and non-forest areas in 196 villages across Junagadh, Amreli, and Gir Somnath districts.