Mount Girnar in Junagadh district, Gujarat, draws thousands of pilgrims each year to its summit shrine. After a lion dragged away 11‑year‑old Mayur Chauhan on July 11, the state announced a suite of high‑tech security measures, including thermal‑camera drones and dedicated forest trackers.

Incident Background

The tragedy occurred on Datar Hill, a steep trek of roughly 3,000 steps. Mayur, a resident of Modaj village in Kheda district, had climbed only about 50 steps from the main entrance when a lion emerged from the darkness, seized the child by the arm, and disappeared into the forest, sparking nationwide outrage.

Government Response

Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia convened senior forest officials and announced immediate actions: recruiting 25 forest trackers, declaring the Girnar‑Datar stairways as “Silence Zones” to minimize disturbance, installing permanent check‑posts at wildlife‑dense points, and launching round‑the‑clock thermal drone surveillance.

Operational Framework

A detailed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) will be drafted under the chairmanship of the Junagadh District Collector, coordinating with all relevant departments. The SOP will cover pilgrim movement, wildlife management, emergency response, and inter‑departmental coordination, ensuring a systematic approach to safety.

Public Awareness Drive

In parallel, a widespread awareness campaign will educate pilgrims and local residents on appropriate behavior in wildlife zones, emphasizing quiet movement, proper waste disposal, and staying within marked trails.

Wider Context

Gujarat has witnessed a surge in lion‑related incidents, with at least six fatal or suspected attacks reported in recent months. The new measures blend cutting‑edge technology with community engagement, aiming to protect both humans and the state's iconic wildlife while preserving the ecological integrity of the Girnar sanctuary.