Gujarat Forest Department

Last updated
Gujarat Forest Department
Agency overview
Jurisdiction Government of Gujarat
HeadquartersGandhinagar, Gujarat, India
Agency executive
  • Dr. Rajiv Kumar Gupta, IAS, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Head of Forest Force)
Website Official Website

The Gujarat Forest Department is the governmental agency responsible for the management and conservation of forests and wildlife in the Indian state of Gujarat. Headquartered in Gandhinagar, the department plays a crucial role in preserving the state's rich biodiversity, promoting afforestation, and implementing sustainable forest management practices. [1]

Contents

History

The department traces its origins to the establishment of forest administrations during the British colonial era. Over the years, it has evolved to address contemporary challenges related to deforestation, habitat loss, and wildlife conservation. [2] [3]

Functions and responsibilities

The Gujarat Forest Department is tasked with various functions, including:

Organizational structure

The department is headed by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, who oversees a hierarchical structure comprising various divisions, circles, and range offices spread across the state.

Conservation initiatives

Gujarat Forest Department actively participates in conservation initiatives such as the Gir Lion Conservation Project, which focuses on the protection and welfare of Asiatic lions in the Gir Forest National Park and surrounding areas. [5] [6]

See also

Related Research Articles

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Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as Sasan Gir, is a forest, national park, and wildlife sanctuary near Talala Gir in Gujarat, India. It is located 43 km (27 mi) north-east of Somnath, 65 km (40 mi) south-east of Junagadh and 60 km (37 mi) south-west of Amreli. It was established in 1965 in the erstwhile Nawab of Junagarh's private hunting area, with a total area of 1,410.30 km2 (544.52 sq mi), of which 258.71 km2 (99.89 sq mi) is fully protected as a national park and 1,151.59 km2 (444.63 sq mi) as wildlife sanctuary. It is part of the Khathiar-Gir dry deciduous forests ecoregion.

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Kuno National Park is a national park and Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh, India. It derives its name from Kuno River. It was established in 1981 as a wildlife sanctuary with an initial area of 344.686 km2 (133.084 sq mi) in the Sheopur and Morena districts. In 2018, it was given the status of a national park. It is part of the Khathiar-Gir dry deciduous forests ecoregion.

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References

  1. 1 2 "NGO, Gujarat Forest Dept encourages students from 200 schools to plant 45,000 trees". The Times of India. 2023-08-17. ISSN   0971-8257 . Retrieved 2024-04-02.
  2. "Gujarat forest department makes life jackets, buoy rings mandatory at Nalsarovar". The Times of India. 2024-02-10. ISSN   0971-8257 . Retrieved 2024-04-02.
  3. "Foresters act on HC's concerns about Nalsarovar". The Times of India. 2024-02-07. ISSN   0971-8257 . Retrieved 2024-04-02.
  4. "Don't take selfies with lions: Gujarat forest dept tells tourists". The Indian Express. 2016-06-12. Retrieved 2024-04-02.
  5. "Gujarat Government plans to procure 10 cages for each taluka in South Gujarat". The Times of India. 2024-01-02. ISSN   0971-8257 . Retrieved 2024-04-02.
  6. "Flamingo Gujarat's special issue highlights diversity of raptors in state". The Indian Express. 2023-08-27. Retrieved 2024-04-02.