Is growing tourism to be blamed for Devaliya lion attack incident?

Was the unprovoked lion attack in Devaliya on a tracker a result of the park's excellent success in attracting tourists? For those who have seen the park grow leaps and bounds say the tourist footfall boomed exponentially.

"Devaliya's USP has been that one always gets to see the lion. Since it is fenced, spread over several hectares, the trackers would track the released lion and herd them into areas where they could be clearly visible," said a person who has worked closely with forest officials as well as been to Devaliya.

"Tourists can take a ride to sight the lion in the Gir National Park and Sanctuary but there is no guarantee that they will get to see a lion. The gipsy's in the national park run on a predetermined route and if you happen to chance upon a lion on the route you are lucky," said the person.

He said Devaliya, however, was different. "It is popular because you are sure to see a lion. While the tourists are not allowed to leave their vehicles, they can be assured of a lion view. To get this done, the trackers keep an eye on the lions that are released from the cages in Devaliya," said the person.

It should be noted that Devaliya park has 10 lions that are kept in captivity but released into the 'enclosed wilderness' to be viewed by the tourists. Another source said that the lions are often 'boxed' in an area by two vehicles on each side. "Once the lions are released, two trackers will drive them towards points where they can be easily viewed. Even if the lion gets up to drink it will be herded back into the place with a better view again. But what people don't realise is that such things can irritate the animal," said the source. The source has a point. Devaliya park saw over 6000 tourists on a single day on Sunday, November 11. The park had also recently introduced gipsy's to ferry tourists while an earlier only limited number of minibuses were allowed. This was done to cater to the tourist rush. During the thirteen days of Diwali the national park and the Gir Interpretation Centre saw over 70000 visitors.

Local NGOs collect funds for lion attack victim

NGOs and nature lovers have come together to collect funds for the family of Rajnish Keshavala, the labourer cum tracker who died in an unprovoked attack by lions in Devaliya. Keshavala is survived by a wife and a three year old daughter. The NGOs have so far managed to collect Rs 1 lakh to be given to Keshavala's family

Dept to give Rs 4 lakh compensation

The forest department has decided to give a compensation of Rs 4 lakh to Rajnish Keshavala's family. Meanwhile Dinesh Sakhat who was injured in the attack has been shifted to the Rajkot Civil Hospital. "The condition of the injured continue to be stable. Dinesh was shifted because he had an eye injury and the doctors were of the opinion that the surgeons at Rajkot Civil Hospital was better equipped to deal with such sort of injury," said an official.

Farmer chased by lions

A farmer, Gobar Bharwad, of Nigada village in Khamba Taluka, Amreli district, was chased by three lions while he was on his way to the orchard. The farmer was chased by three lions — including a lioness. The lions had been spotted there for the last three days.

LIONS’ LAND

• Devaliya’s USP has been that one always gets to see the lion. Since it is spread over several hectares, the trackers would track the released lion and herd them into areas where they could be visible, an official said.
   
• It should be noted that Devaliya has ten lions that are kept captive.