With more visitors expected in the Gir region during the Diwali holidays, the Forest Department has stepped up its watch over forest areas in Junagadh and Girnar. Teams are carrying out additional patrols in areas close to forest boundaries and locations where wildlife is frequently spotted.
The department is also asking tourists to be careful about whom they approach for a lion sighting. Some people may offer to take visitors into restricted areas or arrange sightings outside the official safari system. Accepting such offers could put tourists in trouble with the law.
The warning has been issued by the Gir West Forest Division ahead of the festive rush. Deputy Conservator of Forests Prashant Tomar has urged visitors not to take part in activities that violate forest rules.
Visitors hoping to see Asiatic lions are advised to book their experience through recognised tourism facilities. The locations identified by the Forest Department are Sasan, Devaliya, Ambardi, Barda and Girnar Safari.
The department has cautioned tourists against paying individuals who claim they can arrange a private or guaranteed sighting. It has also warned against entering forest areas without official permission.
Such offers may appear attractive to visitors eager to see a lion up close, but accepting them can lead to serious consequences.
Diwali is one of the busiest periods for tourism in Gir. The festive season, along with Christmas and New Year, accounts for three of the region’s major tourist seasons.
Visitors travel to Gir to experience its forests, biodiversity and the chance to see Asiatic lions in their natural surroundings. Gujarat is the only place in the world where these lions are found in the wild.
The region’s popularity is also part of Gujarat’s wider tourism growth. The India Tourism Data Compendium 2025 places Gujarat among the country’s top 10 states for both domestic and foreign tourist visits in 2024.
The state accounted for 6.24% of India’s domestic tourist visits that year. Its share of foreign tourist visits stood at 10.86%.
The Forest Department has appealed to visitors to follow the official tourism arrangements rather than trying to find their own way into wildlife areas.
The increased patrolling across the Gir West Division is intended to prevent these activities during the holiday period. Forest teams are monitoring areas across Junagadh and Girnar, including forest borders and places with frequent animal movement.
With the Diwali holiday crowd expected to visit Gir, the Forest Department wants tourists to plan their safaris through official channels and respect restrictions in forest areas. Following the rules will help visitors enjoy the wildlife experience without disturbing protected areas or putting themselves at legal risk.
Also Read: Somnath Non-Veg Food Ban To Continue As SC Refuses Relief To Restaurant Owners
