ગુજરાતી
English
Illegal mines, resorts, hotels, homestays, farmhouses in lion corridor गिर में गैर-कानूनी खदानों और रिसॉर्ट्स के बावजूद वन मंत्री अर्जुन मोढवाडिया चुप
Dilip Patel
Ahmedabad, June 27, 2026
The existence of lions and wild animals in Gir forest and Girnar is in danger. This situation has arisen due to laxity in the matter of NOC, NA. There are around 500 resorts, hotels, homestays, farmhouses in the 3 districts surrounding the Gir Forest and Sanctuary and Eco-Sensitive Zone. Popular resorts charge Rs 4 to 5 thousand per day and night.
The forest department and the high court had earlier issued notices to around 150 illegal hospitality units and resorts for violating eco-sensitive zone rules. According to the report of the District Collector in 2025-2026, show cause notices were given to many hotels and resorts, but the government has not made the total number public. Which is likely to be around 500.
how much area
The new eco-sensitive zone on 25 September 2024 includes 196 villages and 17 rivers in 3 districts.
A preliminary notification was issued to declare a total of 1 lakh 84 thousand 466 hectares of area in the Gir Protected Area as ‘Eco-Sensitive Zone’.
The eco-sensitive zone ranges from 2.78 km to 9.50 km.
In which there are river corridors of 17 rivers and 4 important corridors for the movement of lions.
There are 59 villages in Taluka Visavdar, Maliya Hatina, Mendarda of Junagadh district. There are 72 villages in Dhari, Khambha and Savarkundla talukas of Amreli district.
There are 65 villages in Una, Gir-Somnath, Kodinar and Talala talukas of Gir-Somnath district.
There is 24 thousand 680 hectares of forest area in 196 villages. There is 1 lakh 59 thousand 686 hectare non-forest area.
Earlier there was an eco-sensitive zone of 10 kilometers.
Gir Protected Area was declared a new eco-sensitive zone by collecting radio collar-based details of lion movement for 10 years, number of lion kills, important corridors of lion movement and covering areas like river corridors.
Junagadh:
According to the Collector’s report, a total of 308 resorts, homestays, hotels were inspected in Gir-Somnath district of Junagadh on June 17, 2026. Out of which only 87 units were as per the law. Serious and minor irregularities were found in 221 units. Minor violations were reported in 163 units and serious violations were reported in 58 units. Show cause notices were issued to 191. Out of the 28 units taken under legal action earlier, 20 hospitality units were sealed by the administration.
Amreli:
In Amreli district, 29 hospitality units were inspected, out of which 3 units were within the norms.
Major irregularities were found in 25 units, out of which 15 units had minor and 10 units had serious irregularities. The land is being used commercially without permission for farming.
Illegal resorts were running on government land. Show cause notices were given to 25.
Pipiya
After getting permission for non-cultivation purpose on reserve forest land near Pipiya in Ghari, the conditions were violated.
In 2018, 6,385 square meter land of survey number 148/5, adjacent to the reserve forest land in Pipliya village of Garhi taluka, was given permission by the Collector to be used only for residential purposes without farming. 34 strict conditions were imposed for this. But today, illegal hotels and resorts are being built on a large scale in violation of all the conditions on this living land.
It is clearly written in the 34 conditions of permission for farming that if even one condition is violated, the permission will be cancelled.
There is a buzz that many big people, who have been special guests of a famous person, have comfortably organized programs at the resort. Weddings and parties held in hotels here create noise and bursting of firecrackers till late night, which causes trouble to wild animals. The wall of the reserve forest has been breached and an illegal road has been built; despite the cancellation of the license of the homestay by the Tourism Department, the resort is still bustling with activity.
high court
During the hearing before the Chief Justice’s bench, collectors of Amreli, Gir-Somnath and Junagadh districts submitted personal affidavits. These affidavits found that there were large-scale legal irregularities in the hospitality units running in the Gir area.
The High Court had earlier ordered the collectors of Amreli, Gir Somnath and Junagadh districts to submit the report.
A suo moto PIL has been going on in the Gujarat High Court since 2014 regarding unapproved hotels and resorts around Gir.
In 2025, the Gir Somnath district administration sealed 13 farmhouses and resorts in a single action. They were found to be running commercially in violation of permit conditions.
During the re-hearing in the Gujarat High Court in June 2026, a detailed report was sought from the government on the issue of illegal resorts and hotels running on the Gir border.
The process of taking action against illegal construction has been started by coordination between Forest Department, Revenue Department, District Panchayat, Gram Panchayat and Police, but it has remained on paper only.
The main concern of the High Court was the increasing human pressure on the habitat of Asiatic lions. Uncontrolled tourism. Increasing number of hotels and resorts around the forest. Laxity in implementing environment and forest laws. Lack of coordination between different departments.
Timeline of High Court order
In 2014, the Gujarat High Court
Suo motu action was initiated regarding illegal hotels and resorts, commercial activity in forest areas, and the impact on the habitat of lions. This matter came under judicial scrutiny for the first time. In 2015, the state government and the Forest Department were directed to provide information regarding resorts in the vicinity of Gir, land use, and permissions.
Directives were to be issued; the process of data collection began.
In 2016, District Collectors were ordered to investigate unauthorized construction and the commercial use of agricultural land. Coordination between the Revenue and Forest Departments was established.
In 2017, the verification of approvals from Gram Panchayats, District Panchayats, and Town Planning authorities commenced. Regulatory processes began to tighten, yet no further action followed.
In 2018, demands were raised for greater caution regarding new construction and tourism activities within the Gir Eco-Sensitive Zone. The issue of environmental protection came to the fore.
In 2019, various resorts were inspected regarding land-use change permissions, Non-Agricultural (NA) status, construction permits, and other related matters. Legal violations were categorized.
In 2020, tourism declined due to COVID, but issues related to construction and permissions persisted. Court oversight remained unchanged.
In 2021, the Forest Department and district administration conducted joint inspections. Field inspections were intensified.
In 2022, concerns were again raised regarding the growing resort development around Gir; reports were sought from various departments. The issue of balancing development with conservation was highlighted. In 2023, demands were raised for greater caution regarding new construction and tourism activities in Gir.
In 2024, demands were raised for greater caution regarding new construction and tourism activities in Gir.
In 2025, demands were raised for greater caution regarding new construction and tourism activities in Gir.
In 2026, demands were raised for greater caution regarding new construction and tourism activities in Gir.
In 2027, demands were raised for greater caution regarding new construction and tourism activities in Gir.
In 2028, demands were raised for greater caution regarding new construction and tourism activities in Gir. In 2023, another major survey regarding illegal resorts, farmhouses, and commercial activities was conducted, and a list was prepared to facilitate action.
In 2024, the High Court questioned the government regarding effective implementation and sought a detailed status report. Despite increasing pressure from the Court, no action was taken.
In 2025, a campaign was launched in the Gir area; 13 illegal farmhouses/resorts were sealed, and notices were issued to many others. For the first time, large-scale action was visible on the ground.
In 2026, the High Court again sought a fresh report from the state government regarding action against illegal resorts, construction, and activities in the buffer zone bordering Gir; action is ongoing. The matter has not yet been fully resolved.
Resorts constitute a significant part of tourism in Gir:
Talala
Sasan Gir is the main tourist hub, featuring the highest concentration of hotels and resorts.
In Haripur, agricultural land is being used for commercial purposes, including farm stays.
In Bhojde, new resorts have been constructed, and land-use conversion has taken place. In Chitrod, there are resorts, farmhouses, and activity centers near the buffer zone.
Borvav has several private resorts and homestays.
There is tourism-based development in the Mendarda Road area.
In Mendarda, there are several resorts in the area towards Bilkha.
There is a resort in the Una-Jamwala area (Eastern Gir).
There are farmhouses and eco-resorts in the Una-Dhari Road area.
Tourism development is taking place in the Dhari-Sarsia area (Eastern Gir zone).
Resort villages by district:
Gir Somnath District
Sasan, Bhojde, Chitrod, Haripur, Jamwala, Borvav.
Junagadh District
Villages around Mendarda and the area towards Bhilkha.
Amreli District
Resorts are located in the Dhari, Sarsia, and Chanchai areas.
Gir Sanctuary and Wildlife
In 1965, Gir National Park and Gir Sanctuary spanned an area of 1,412 sq km; of this, 258 sq km was designated as National Park and 1,153 sq km as Sanctuary.
Additionally, there are wildlife sanctuaries at Paniya (near Veraval) and Mitiyala (near Dhari and Visavadar).
Lion Population
The Nawab of Junagadh declared the Gir forest area and its lions protected starting in the early 1900s. At that time, only 15 lions remained. In 2015, there were 523 lions in Gir and surrounding areas; by 2020, the number had risen to 674.
According to the 16th Asiatic Lion Census:
The total lion population in Gujarat was 891.
384 lions (43% of the total) were located in Gir National Park, Gir Sanctuary, and Pania. There were 507 lions—representing 57% of the population—in revenue lands, agricultural fields, and non-protected areas.
Approximately 1,000 lions are now spread across 11 districts of Saurashtra, covering an area of about 35,000 sq. km.
Biodiversity
The region hosts over 600 plant varieties and features dry teak forests.
It is home to 2,375 animal species, including 39 types of mammals, 300 bird species, 37 reptile species, and over 2,000 types of insects.
Carnivores include the Asiatic lion, leopard, jungle cat, striped hyena, jackal, sable, lynx, desert cat, and rusty-spotted cat.
Herbivores primarily include the chital (spotted deer), nilgai, chinkara, and wild boar. Occasionally…
Deer can also be spotted in the vicinity.
Small mammals include porcupines, hares, and anteaters.
Reptiles include crocodiles (the largest in India), star tortoises, and snakes.
The avian world comprises 300 species. Birds of prey include six species of vultures.
Other birds include the serpent eagle, eagle, peacock-pheasant, fish owl, great owl, owlet, lesser woodpecker, black-headed oriole, crested treeswift, and Indian pitta.
Resorts operate with the backing of BJP leaders from Gandhinagar; roads are even constructed through the forest to ensure access if homestays face cancellation.
Babarkot Mining
The Narendra Modi-led central government has approved a mining lease for a cement company in the Babarkot Reserved Forest of Amreli district; the Gujarat government’s approval is now pending. The project involves the diversion of 75.94 hectares of reserved forest land within the Gir East Forest Division, which will permanently destroy a vital habitat for Asiatic lions, leopards, and various other wildlife species. Forest Department data indicates that the proposed mining zone is home to 40 to 50 lions, including cubs and sub-adults; consequently, human-animal conflict in the area is expected to rise.
Wildlife activists have strongly opposed the move, warning that the project could cause severe damage to wildlife habitats and the ecology of the Gir region.
Many individuals have written to Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Forest Minister Arjun Modhwadia, urging them to scrap the proposal.
The project would require the felling of 5,000 old trees, a move that would violate the provisions of the Forest Conservation Act. Two units belonging to UltraTech Cement Limited, Narmada Cement Limited, and Gujarat Cement Works are located in Babarkot village. These companies hold mining leases for over 9,000 *bighas* of land in the village.
Wildlife Corridor
Mining
This will lead to disturbances, pollution, and the sudden death of wild animals. The Gir National Park management plan has identified this area as a crucial coastal forest and a corridor for Asiatic lions.
There will be long-term ecological consequences. Nearby agricultural land could suffer permanent damage.
The entire ecosystem of the Gir region will be adversely affected. Mining will pollute the environment, destroy wildlife habitats, and impact the coastal ecology.
This appears to be a violation of the Supreme Court’s observations and rulings.
Despite the area being relatively small, mining will cause significant ecological disruption.
Ram Ratan Nala is the Conservator of Forests for the Junagadh Wildlife Circle.
Mining activities could disrupt the main wildlife corridor connecting Dhari, Rajula, and Jafrabad, potentially forcing lions to migrate towards Pipavav. This shift could bring lions closer to railway tracks and human settlements, increasing the risk of train accidents and conflicts with local residents.
Gram Panchayat
Anak Sankhat, spokesperson for the Babarkot Sarpanch, stated that, so far, the stance has been to refuse handing over the land to the company, whereas officials from the Dhari Forest Department have recommended granting the land. The company has remained idle for 12 years. Until 2016, several forest officials had rejected this mining project, citing concerns for the safety of the lions.
A large number of lions inhabit our area. Handing over the land to the company would increase the likelihood of human-lion conflict in the village. The land should not be given to the company. The officials who visited the company hold the erroneous view that there are no lions in our area. We have proposed taking action against them.
Since 2016, several other mining projects have been rejected.
Kanu Kalsaria
Kanu Kalsaria—a Gandhian farmer leader, doctor, former MLA, and Chairman of the Sadbhavana Trust Hospital from Babarkot village in Jafrabad Taluka—had opposed the move.
MLA
BJP MLA Hira Solanki wrote to Forest Minister Arjun Modhwadia, expressing objections to the mines. Granting permission for mining in the forest would pose a grave threat to the very existence of Asiatic lions. The system follows a contradictory policy. There is silence from top forest officials, including the PCCF, CF, and DCF. There is a fear that lions will stray into human settlements, leading to increased conflict between villagers and the big cats.
The Forest Department and the government must immediately revoke this approval.
Forest Minister
Arjun Modhwadia stated that no such proposal had come to his attention. We do not grant permission for mining in any reserved forest.
Mines
In 2016, members of the Wildlife Board and environmentalists informed the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) that illegal activities and projects were being sanctioned in Gir (specifically in the Dhari and Amreli divisions) in violation of environmental regulations.
Heavy machinery operations along lion corridors and forest fringes pose a significant threat to the survival of lions, leopards, and other wildlife, while also escalating human-wildlife conflict. Reports from the RTI, Forest Department, and NGT indicate the presence of 30 to 67 illegal limestone and sand mines within the Gir forest and its surrounding ecologically sensitive zones. Mining is not legally permitted in ecologically sensitive areas. In 2015-16, a survey by the Forest Department and an RTI inquiry revealed the existence of more than 30 illegal stone quarries in areas such as Ghantakvad, Jamwala, Amadra, Surva, and Ankolwadi across the Gir Somnath and Amreli districts….were underway. The Gujarat High Court had previously ordered the closure of 67 sand-mining units due to illegal sand-mining activities in the bed of the Shingvada River. On February 20, 2019, a limestone mining lease was granted to ‘Shiv Minerals’—owned by Dinu Bogha Solanki—within three kilometers of the Gir forest’s eco-sensitive zone, an area inhabited by lions and other wildlife. Years earlier, the Collector had received complaints that Dinu Bogha Solanki and his family members were operating approximately 40 limestone mines in the Junagadh and Gir regions.
Amit Jethwa had lodged a complaint regarding a mine operating in the Hadmatiya area of Gir, resulting in a fine of ₹40 lakh being imposed on Dinu Solanki. Jethwa had also played a role in getting two Ambuja Cement ships sealed at Kandla Port. He had filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Gujarat High Court seeking an investigation into illegal mining. On July 20, 2010, Jethwa was shot dead outside the High Court; subsequently, 155 out of the 192 witnesses turned hostile.
Bhikhubhai Batavala, President of the Lion Nature Foundation, had complained to the Gujarat government, demanding the closure of a stone crusher and blasting plant operating on Survey No. 47 in Nesdi village, as well as the recovery of royalties and fines from the company. An assessment of illegal limestone mines in Gujarat’s Gir-Somnath and Junagadh districts was sought. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) directed the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) to submit a detailed report on the action taken by July 24, 2019. The petition alleged that the limestone mines had been excavated without prior environmental clearance, and the petitioner had identified 20 mine operators. On March 1, 2019, a court sentenced Congress MLA Bhagvan Barad from Talala, Gir Somnath, to two years and nine months in prison for a mining-related offense. His status as an MLA was revoked after he was found guilty in a 1995 mineral theft case. (Google translation from Gujarati; see original report)
