Rajkot: In response to the fatal lion attack on an 11-year-old boy on the Girnar pilgrimage route last month, the Junagadh forest department has deployed 25 specialised trackers across key mountain trails to curb human-wildlife conflict and safeguard devotees.According to the forest department, the training of these trackers has been completed and they were deployed on Tuesday evening.The forest department swung into action after an 11-year-old boy was mauled to death by a lion on July 11 on the Girnar mountain when he was climbing with his family. According to the forest officials, the movement of the lions and leopards is frequent on the steps because there is an adjacent sanctuary area. The wild animals are also frequently spotted in Junagadh city.“The trackers will patrol the New Steps, Old Steps, and Datar Steps areas starting Tuesday evening, following the completion of a rigorous, week-long preparation regimen,” said the forest department in a statement.The trackers are imparted specialised training and orientation on animal behaviour, pilgrim safety, and conflict mitigation techniques. The curriculum was led by veteran trackers from the Sasan forest division alongside veterinary specialists, focusing on identifying wildlife movements and anticipating potential threats along the routes. The patrol units are tasked with monitoring local fauna, maintaining secure pathways for pilgrims, and minimising negative interactions between humans and wildlife.Lakhs of people climb Girnar mountain every year and around 7 lakh to 10 lakh people participate in Lili Parikram organised once in a year.
