~Parimal Nathwani reflects on his four-decade bond with Gir and Asiatic lions, highlighting conservation efforts, challenges and the need to protect their habitat.
Ahmedabad, Gujarat, Aug 09 (VNI): Rajya Sabha MP, ardent lion lover and Director of Corporate Affairs at Reliance Industries Limited, Parimal Nathwani, on the occasion of World Lion Day, reflected on his more than four-decade-long association with Gir and its Asiatic lions, saying, “My connection with Gir and its lions goes back more than four decades. Gir and its lions are woven into my entire consciousness, they flow through my veins and throb in my heart.”
Shri Nathwani said he has observed and experienced Gir and its majestic lions countless times, witnessing the landscape in every season and at different times of the day. “It is as if I have become an integral part of the entire Gir ecosystem. Every time I visit, I experience renewed vigour and vitality. The moment I return, a deep yearning to go back takes hold. It always feels as though Gir is waiting for me, calling out to me,” he said. He added that this emotional bond inspired the title of his coffee-table book on Gir, Call of the Gir.
Recalling his first visit to Sasan around 1987, Nathwani said the Asiatic lion population was around 200 at the time. Sasan and other villages in Gir then appeared like seamless extensions of the forest, with small picturesque settlements offering a profound sense of peace. “Sighting a lion was a delight, and every newborn cub brought new hope to Gir,” he recalled.
Reflecting on the present-day lion population, Nathwani said he feels immense pride seeing lions now ranging across the vast landscape of Greater Gir. “A population of 891 is no small achievement. This stands as one of the most successful wildlife conservation sagas, not just in India, but globally,” he said. He attributed the achievement to the vision and continuous guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while also acknowledging the tireless efforts of Gujarat Forest Department officials, frontline staff, trackers, veterinarians, experts, local villagers and lion enthusiasts.
Nathwani said he has personally contributed, as well as worked through his role at Reliance Industries, towards addressing challenges faced by Gir and its lions. He highlighted measures taken to prevent accidental deaths in open wells and on railway tracks, including the construction of parapet walls around nearly 2,828 open wells. He also pursued measures such as mesh fencing along lion movement corridors and train speed restrictions to reduce the risk of lions straying onto railway tracks.
He said he has repeatedly raised issues concerning Gir and its lions at governmental and non-governmental forums, including Parliament. During outbreaks involving Babesiosis and Canine Distemper Virus (CDV), experts from the Vantara team were brought in on an emergency basis to support treatment and prevent the spread of infection. Nathwani also recalled efforts to save “Jay” and “Veeru”, the pair of lions injured in a fatal territorial battle, saying his inability to save the legendary lions remains a lasting regret.
Nathwani expressed concern over the rapid growth of resorts and homestays in lion-inhabited areas, saying increased noise and light pollution can adversely affect lions and other wildlife. He said he has appealed to the Government to curb such disturbances and will continue to raise the issue.
He noted that Gir today is vastly different from the Gir of four decades ago. While lions have demonstrated remarkable adaptability, their surrounding environment is changing rapidly. Increasing numbers of lions are moving beyond the sanctuary into small reserved forest patches, dense Prosopis juliflora (ganda baval) thickets, riverbeds and streams near human settlements, as well as agricultural and industrial areas. Nathwani said the lions’ independent movement into Barda demonstrates their adaptability and described Barda as their “second home”.
According to Nathwani, the long-term future of Asiatic lions requires protected wildlife corridors, adequate natural prey, freedom from human disturbance and interconnected natural habitats. “Over these four decades, my emotional bond and attachment to Gir and its lions have only deepened. Gir and the lions are complementary to each other,” he said.
On World Lion Day, Nathwani urged people to make a commitment to protect Gir and its wildlife. “We humans should take at least one pledge: to refrain from littering or polluting Gir, and to avoid harassing or interfering with its lions,” he said. VNI NEWS, Parimal Nathwani, Gir lions, Asiatic lions, Gir National Park, World Lion Day, Gujarat lion conservation, Greater Gir, lion conservation, World Lion Day, Gujarat Tourism, Wildlife Conservation, Gir Forest, Greater Gir, VNINews, VNINews.com