Km. In the current scenario, the theory of coexistence has failed and as a result of this, every third day one lion is dying an unnatural death. E.g.
Khamma Gir Foundation operates on the principle of the self-sustained social entrepreneurship model with the primary mission of saving lions, Gir, and its Cultural heritage. Lion
Gir lions have moved out of the protected area of Gir National park and Sanctuary for obvious reasons best known to everybody and have settled in the human landscape of Saurashtra spreading over 24000 Sq. Only out of box
approach and mass awareness can reverse this grim situation.
1) Khamma Gir Ne Foundation will form a strong network of volunteers in the villages and towns to bring in the necessary change in the environment that will suit lions to survive and coexist with humans. Various awareness programs will be designed for implementation in schools, colleges, and gram panchayats. People will be made aware of the importance of lions and wildlife for their benefits and prosperity.
2) Notorious elements will be discouraged to harass the lions by way of awareness, counseling, and even hard legal actions if needed to set an example.
3) Various plans and strategies will be implemented to reduce the conflict by way of reducing the probability of human-lion interaction and friction. Creating wired fencing with flashlights around the village so that lions do not venture into villages at night., Creation of enclosed area for disposal of dead live stocks or burring them in soil.
4) Initiating various Scientific research projects to collect data regarding the better conservation of lions in Gir and Bruhad Gir.
5) Creating natural forest, grasslands, and habitat for lions with ample supply of food and water so they do not venture out in search of the same.
6) Assisting villagers to get appropriate and fast compensation in case their lives stock is killed by a lion. Helping farmers to enclose their open wells to avoid accidental deaths of lions.
7) Strict vigilance and coordination with the Forest Department for stopping illegal baiting and lion shows. Gir
Gir Forest once was dry scrub land and open deciduous forest and the biggest dry savannah forest of western India with more than 400 species of plants recorded in 1955, making it an ideal habitat for lions. Unfortunately, substantial degradation has happened to the biodiversity of the forest with a massive growth of invasive weeds like Cassia tora and Lantana Camara. It will be difficult to do much in a protected area without a positive approach and support of the department, But there is vast scope for contribution for improvement of habitat in non protected areas around Gir where equal degradation has happened due to overgrazing and land encroachment. Here to some out of box efforts will be needed to improve the situation. i.e.
1) Mission Lilu Saurashtra (meaning both green and wet) ten crore trees and ten thousand lakes in ten years
2) Encouraging each and every village to have its natural forest, grassland, and water source (lake) These revived forest and grassland can serve as a habitat for lions and also ranch for the live stocks.
3) Encouraging each and every farmer to plant native trees in at least 10 percent of his land and have his water reservoir.
4) Encouraging farmers to move towards organic cultivation for long term benefits.
5) Encouraging forest-based occupations such as honey culture.
6) Creation of natural forest patches on wasted/ barren lands.
7) Preserving of wetlands and grasslands.
8) With little rain, GIR rivers are flooded and there is a huge soil erosion every year. In summer all the rivers are rock dry. Awareness and water management system to be implemented with the help of administration and locals. Maldhari
Maldharis have been part of lion conservation in Gir for ages. They have also played a major role in the cultivation of rich cultural heritage and setting high ethos. Unfortunately today this community is a disheartening state, due to the atrocious stand of the department and ignoring policies by the governance. Khamma Gir Ne foundation will be bringing in awareness about their basic Human Rights and introduce the following schemes to stop the exploitation and uplift their lives.
1) Once Gir Ghee (clarified butter) was the prime occupation and source of good income. They will be brought under the social scheme where they will be encouraged to divert back to Ghee production giving them good pay by selling it in India and the International market under the brand of “KHAMMA GIR NE”.
2) Encouraging them to breed Gir Cow for A2 milk and ghee.
3) Supporting them multi-dimensional by way of a better milk price and also with the wholesale supply of affordable fodder at a discounted rate.
4) Supporting Maldhari kids with better education and health services to them.
5) Maldhari women are born artists in making traditional clothes, wall hangings, curtains, bedsheets, etc. They too will be given alternative occupations by selling their products under the same brand.
6) Supporting and helping them with legal matters of their Right over the forest.
7) Helping them to get the rightful recognition of their community on the national and international platform through projection and promotion of their art and culture.
