Rajkot: In the wake of the recent fatal lion attack on 11-year-old boy in Girnar, the Junagadh district administration has imposed strict restrictions on noise along the Girnar pilgrimage routes to protect wildlife and ensure the safety of devotees.The formal notification was issued on Friday by the sub-divisional magistrateThe order declares the new Girnar steps, old Girnar steps, and the Datar stair route as silence zones with immediate effect.Girnar, one of Gujarat’s most prominent pilgrimage destinations, attracts lakhs of Hindu and Jain devotees every year. The number of visitors has increased significantly following the introduction of the Girnar Ropeway.Authorities said that the growing use of electronic gadgets, Bluetooth speakers, music systems, and other sound-producing devices has raised concerns over disturbance to wildlife inhabiting the Girnar forest.The administration also took into account representations received from Shri Vishva Jain Sangathan, which informed that the Shri Nemi Girnar Dharma Yatra began on July 1 and will reach Girnar on July 19, while the Nirvan Day of Jain Tirthankar Shri Neminath Bhagwan will be observed on July 20. Representations from Raivatak Samiti, Junagadh, Shri Guru Dattatreya Samast Bhakt Mandal, Maharashtra, and Gorakshanathji Sevasangh, Junagadh, also indicated that large numbers of devotees are expected to participate in religious events, including Dattapaduka worship and step worship at Shri Amba Mataji Temple. Considering the devotees rush and wildlife conservation this notification is issued.According to the notification, the use of loudspeakers, DJs, music systems, drums, and all other musical instruments is prohibited on the designated routes. Playing music at high volume on mobile phones, raising slogans or victory chants, and any activity causing noise pollution have also been banned. Authorities said the restrictions are intended to prevent wildlife from being disturbed or provoked, thereby reducing the risk of human-wildlife conflict.The administration has warned that anyone violating the notification will face legal action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).Online Registration Mandatory for Girnar PilgrimsOn a pilot basis, the Junagadh district administration has introduced an IN and OUT registration system for pilgrims visiting Mount Girnar to increase pilgrim safety, enabling timely access to information, and facilitating quicker response during emergencies.Under the new system, all pilgrims must register before beginning their journey to Mount Girnar, whether they are using the new stair route, the old stair route, or the ropeway. Visitors are required to scan a QR code and complete the online registration to record their IN entry. After completing their pilgrimage and returning, they must also record their OUT entry.The system will help monitor the movement of pilgrims more effectively and provide prompt assistance in case of emergencies.Prohibitory orders for Nirvan observation of Lord NeminathThe Junagadh administration has imposed prohibitory orders across the Bhavnath area and the entire Girnar hill up to the fifth peak from July 19 to 21, in view of the Jain community’s Shri Nemi Girnar Religious Pilgrimage and the Nirvan observation of Lord Neminath.The pilgrimage, which began in Delhi, is scheduled to reach Junagadh on July 19. On July 20, devotees will observe the Nirvan (Moksha Kalyanak) of Lord Neminath at the fifth peak by offering prayers and traditional laddus.As the fifth peak is also home to the revered Guru Dattatreya shrine, an important place of worship for Hindus, the administration has imposed the restrictions to ensure public peace, maintain communal harmony, and facilitate the smooth conduct of religious activities.
