The Forest Department proposes adding 100 safari Gypsies in Gir, and the plan has run into strong opposition from local jeep operators and villagers. They fear the extra vehicles will put more pressure on lion habitat and the fragile ecosystem of the Gir forest.
Sasan Gir is reportedly already operating beyond capacity. At present, 150 permits are issued per day, with 50 per morning, afternoon and evening slot, rising to 180 in the festive season, with 60 per slot.
Who operates the safaris now
At present, 162 Gypsies owned by Sasan residents operate in Gir. The new policy covers 21 villages within 10 km of Sasan, with one Gypsy per 300 residents.
Operators say the existing fleet already strains the forest, and adding 100 more vehicles would increase traffic inside lion territory and disturb the animals.
Environmental concerns
Environmentalists warn the expansion could harm lion breeding and wildlife corridors. They point to Girnar and Barda as precedents, and to rising human-wildlife conflict in areas around the forest.
Operators threaten shutdown
Operators have threatened a festive-season boycott and a full shutdown of Gypsy services if the decision is not withdrawn. The festive season is one of the busiest times for Gir safaris, and a shutdown would hit visitors as well as local livelihoods.
The decision ahead
The Forest Department's proposal is now facing opposition from the people who run the safaris and live around the forest, as well as from environmentalists. Whether the department goes ahead with the 100 additional Gypsies, or withdraws the plan, will decide the future of safari traffic in Gir.
For now, the dispute leaves the festive-season safari schedule uncertain, with operators warning of a boycott if their concerns are not addressed.
