Velavadar Black Buck National Park Bhavnagar Junagadh District News Gujarat India

Wildlife lovers have a reason to cheer. For, a recent population count of blackbucks in Velavadar Black Buck National Park (BBNP) has reported a 10 per cent increase in its number, which was once down to as low as 200 in the region.

The population estimation of the majestic wild animal -- one of the schedule I endangered species in the country -- was conducted on January 30-31 by forest department.

According to forest department officials, there were 3,950 blackbucks reported, which is 10 per cent higher than 2005's census figure of 3,590.

Conservator of forests, Junagadh Circle (Wildlife), MM Sharma told TOI, "The reason behind the increase in population is due to proper protection of wild animals and increased protected area."

Furthermore, it's noteworthy that among the 3,950 animals, 2,308 numbers have been reported from outside the national park area and in ecological zones. In the 2005 census, 2,183 were reported out of the national park.

"There are 22 ecological zones where there is significant presence of blackbucks. This time, we have included three new ecological zones, where these species have been found regularly. We consider these out of the park population in the ecological zones. They may visit frequently to these zones. However, we can't say that they have migrated from the park," said assistant conservator of forests, BBNP JS Solanki.

"Apart from the flagship species, that is the blackbuck; Indian grey wolf and striped hyena were also sighted here more than often. In this landscape, wolves are apex predators. Wolves rely primarily on blackbucks in this area for food, which constitute about 80 to 90 per cent of their diet. The park also supports good population of striped hyena. The hyenas are considered scavengers. The presence of these animals is the indicator of health of ecological system," Solanki said. In the current census, 13 wolves and six hyenas were sighted.

The BBNP at Velavadar is known across the globe for its largest concentration of blackbucks in one area. Once upon a time, the blackbuck population had reduced to just 200 due to various factors. Subsequently, 34.52 sq km area was declared as a national park in 1976 to conserve the species and its habitat.

"This rising number of blackbucks shows the protection of wild animal by forest department and good will from surrounding people as they are the one who help protect this magnificent animal," said Shivbhadrasinhji Gohil, a member of royal family of erstwhile princely Bhavnagar State and an ardent nature lover.

Sakkarbaug Zoo Junagadh City News Samachar Gujarat India

Sakkarbaug Zoo Junagadh City, which has the distinction of housing two pairs of African Cheetahs, has removed the felines from public view due to illness.

The animals have been put under critical care for the second time since their arrival from Singapore in March 2009. Zoo officials said on Monday that three of the four cheetahs — a male and two females— have taken ill, and that the condition of one of them is critical.

Zoo Superintendent Y J Rana said the animals have developed infection in the respiratory system and swelling in the liver. Besides local veterinarians, an expert from Anand City Gujarat India has been called in. They are also in constant touch with experts from the Singapore Zoo.

Sources, meanwhile, said that two cheetahs have responded well to the treatment and have reportedly started taking food, while one has not taken food for the last two days.

The Gujarat State government had brought the four felines from Singapore in exchange of three Asiatic lions. To take proper care of the animals, zoo officials were imparted training in Africa and Singapore.

Junagadh Surendranagar tourism heritage Gujarat India

Should the Value Added Tax include a portion for effective heritage conservation? If not the sale of artifacts itself, why should the centuries-old heritage structures be opened for photography and documentary film-making to raise revenues for their conservation? Is it not about time the heritage structures be removed from the Public Works Department’s (PWD) jurisdiction?

These were amongst the several suggestions that emerged from the public consultation meeting of small towns held in Gandhinagar on Friday. Representatives and officials from 17 towns came for the meeting where members of the Gujarat state built heritage policy committee tried to understand the issues faced by them in heritage conservation and how they can be
overcome.

“One of the biggest problems is that of creating alternative funding sources for heritage conservation. Including it in VAT was one of the options discussed, as it is a state subject. We are likely to include it in our recommendations to the government,” said a member of the committee, Ajay Chaudhary. Western countries have raised funds for heritage conservation through tax, he added.

Besides, corporate funding is emerging as a thrust area, along with government support. Another aspect discussed was opening up the heritage properties for photography and videography to international markets as there is great interest in studying these styles of architecture and design. Tourism is another option.

These can generate income, which when pooled up, could be enough to sustain the maintenance of the structures.

“Did you know that pictures of Junagadh Palace are a big hit? These generate income for the palace, which can be used to conserve it,” Chaudhary added.

“Most of these people (officials and representatives of towns) were very well aware of their heritage structures and had come with a comprehensive list.

The overall feeling was that the conservation of these precious assets should not be left to agencies like the PWD, as they only see a civil engineering solution to any problem. The structure will vanish before conservation will happen,” president of the committee, PK Ghosh said.

A positive outcome of the meeting might be an initiative by the heritage committee to take up a pilot project of restoring the Hawa Mahal in Surendranagar City.