Gujarat Restructures Porbandar Forest Division for Lion Rehabilitation

Gujarat restructured the Porbandar Forest Division on 29 September 2026 to strengthen forest administration and support lion rehabilitation in the Barda region. The reorganisation covers forest ranges, village boundaries, beat limits, and inter-divisional transfers for conservation management in western Gujarat.

Porbandar Forest Division Reorganisation

The Porbandar Range has been reorganised over 6,840.84 hectares across 80 villages. Its beats include Porbandar City, Gosabara, Mokar, Visavada, Kantela, Madhavpur, and Satiya.

The Ranavav Range now covers 13,051.25 hectares across 27 villages. Its beats include Godana, Bileshwar, Savdivadar, and Ranavav.

A 305.94-hectare forest area from the Jamnagar Forest Division’s RFW Bhatia Range has been transferred to the Bhanvad Range under the Porbandar Forest Division. This area covers Kandarda Jogana, Sajdiyala, Juna, and Jambusar villages in Bhanvad taluka.

Barda Region and Asiatic Lion Habitat

The Barda region has been developed as a second habitat for Asiatic lions under Project Lion, which was launched in 2020. Asiatic lions are listed as a vulnerable species and occur naturally only in India.

The natural return of Asiatic lions to the Barda region took place after an absence of 143 years. The 2023 wildlife census recorded 17 Asiatic lions, including cubs, in Barda Wildlife Sanctuary.

The same census recorded 25 leopards in Barda Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary forms part of the wider conservation landscape outside the Gir Protected Area.

Administrative and Conservation Measures

The administrative control of Kutiyana, Porbandar Social Forestry, and Ranavav Social Forestry ranges has been brought under the Porbandar Forest Division. The restructuring also provides for two Assistant Conservators of Forests.

In June 2024, the Forest Department began translocating spotted deer and sambars from Gir Forest to Barda Wildlife Sanctuary. These species form part of the prey base used in lion habitat management.

The Gujarat government has allocated ₹180 crore for new lion habitats. Project Lion @ 2047 has earmarked ₹2,927 crore over 10 years for habitat restoration, prey augmentation, and community outreach.

Important Facts for Exams

• Asiatic lions are scientifically classified as Panthera leo persica.
• Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat is the only natural habitat of Asiatic lions in the world.
• Barda Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Porbandar and Jamnagar region of Gujarat.
• Project Lion was launched in 2020 for long-term conservation of Asiatic lions in India.