Ahmedabad: With Asiatic lions increasingly being spotted on Shatrunjaya hill in Palitana, Gujarat forest department is planning to launch round-the-clock drone surveillance to safeguard Jain pilgrims.Forest minister Arjun Modhwadia suggested that pilgrims venture out only between dawn and dusk for their safety.The department plans to set up four pre-fabricated watchtowers and four cabins to monitor the movements of lions. Patrolling parties will scan the area.Officials said the department will temporarily recruit local youth to track lions and keep pilgrims safe. The officials added that the pilgrimage route will be repaired to make walking easier for pilgrims.Modhwadia directed the department to ensure these arrangements and facilities are put in place quickly.The minister said forest department has analysed the movements of lions in the area over the past year. He said lions generally do not attack humans unless they are disturbed or provoked.Jain leaders of the Shri Anandji Kalyanji Pedhi, who met the minister, said they consistently encourage pilgrims to undertake the pilgrimage in a disciplined manner so that wildlife is not disturbed.Discussions centring on pilgrim safety covered public awareness and coordination, forest and wildlife conservation, infrastructure, and habitat management.The meeting also discussed creating a silent zone and arrangements for a six-gaun (six-village) pilgrimage.
