The Gujarat government has reorganised the Porbandar Forest Division to improve the rehabilitation efforts for Asiatic lions in the Barda forest region. This move follows the natural return of Asiatic lions to Barda after a period of 143 years, highlighting the need for an effective administrative framework to support their conservation.

According to an official statement made on September 29, the restructuring aims to streamline forest conservation and wildlife management responsibilities. Under the oversight of Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia and Minister of State Pravin Mali, the changes will clarify roles related to various resources including vehicles, weapons, wireless equipment, and other essential tools.

The formal resolution from the Forest and Environment Department indicates that the reorganisation will lead to improved forest management and expedite the resolution of environmental issues, aligning with departmental schemes more effectively.

New Structure for Improved Operations

The reorganisation has established clear responsibilities at the range, beat, and officer levels, facilitating systematic operations throughout the district. The Porbandar Range has been newly configured to encompass an area of 6,840.84 hectares spread over 80 villages, subdivided into several beats, including notable locations such as Porbandar City and Madhavpur.

Additionally, the Ranavav Range now covers 13,051.25 hectares and includes 27 villages. This range has also been divided into beats which feature areas such as Godana and Bileshwar. Another significant administrative change includes the transfer of 305.94 hectares from the RFW Bhatia Range under the Jamnagar Forest Division, now included in the Bhanvad Range of Porbandar Forest Division.

The Bhanvad Range now administers four villages within the Devbhumi Dwarka district, marking a broadening of its operational footprint. Furthermore, the Kutiyana Range, along with the Porbandar and Ranavav Social Forestry Ranges, now falls under the jurisdiction of the Porbandar Forest Division, leading to a comprehensive adjustment of staff roles and resources.

Strengthened Staffing and Oversight

As part of the restructured division, two positions for Assistant Conservators of Forests have been established. One Assistant Conservator will supervise the Porbandar Range, Social Forestry Range, and Ranavav Social Forestry Range, while the second will manage the Ranavav, Bhanvad, and Kutiyana Ranges as well as the Mobile Squad (T.A.) Range.

This enhancement in staffing underscores the importance of effective wildlife management, with the total number of ranges in the Porbandar Forest Division now reaching seven. The reorganisation has also facilitated the transfer of a vacant position for Assistant Conservator from Kevadia’s established posts to support the new configuration.

The Porbandar Forest Division will operate under the Junagadh Wildlife Circle, where the Deputy Conservator of Forests will supervise the two appointed Assistant Conservators across all reorganised ranges. In addition, the Range Forest Officer will be tasked with managing the operational aspects of the Mobile Squad, ensuring a coordinated effort in lion rehabilitation initiatives in the Barda region.

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