Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL), in collaboration with the Forest Department of the Government of Gujarat, has completed the construction of protective parapets around 1534 open wells in the Gir Protected Area. This initiative is a step towards the protection of wildlife, particularly the Asiatic Lion, a symbol of pride for both Gujarat and India.
In June 2021, RIL signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Forest Department for the construction of these protective walls. Under the guidance of Parimal Nathwani, Director of Corporate Affairs at RIL and a wildlife enthusiast, the company has built parapet walls around 638 open wells in Savarkundla and Tulsishyam in the Gir East Region and 896 in Maliya, Talala and Kodinar in the Gir West Region.
“We are working closely with the Forest Department of the Government of Gujarat to protect wildlife in Gir, especially the Asiatic Lion. We are committed to wildlife conservation and this initiative will play a major role in saving Asiatic Lions and other wild animals who often fall into open wells and suffer serious injuries,” said Nathwani.
Despite the significant increase in the number of wells in Gir, many lack protective parapets, leading to frequent accidents involving Asiatic Lions. In the past, under Nathwani’s leadership, RIL and the Forest Department had undertaken a similar initiative, constructing parapets around 1294 wells in the Gir Protected Area.
Nathwani, who is also a Member of Parliament of Rajya Sabha, has been vocal about issues related to the protection and conservation of the Asiatic Lion, both within and outside the Parliament.
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