Workers against sanctuary status for Girnar forest

Opposing the grant of sanctuary status to Girnar, MWIPC called for the resumption of mining activities here. They have started an indefinite relay fast in front of the Collector’s office saying that unless their demands are met, or an amicable solution is found to resolve the issue, they will intensify their stir.

The 200-sq-km Girnar forest was declared a sanctuary by the state Government in July 2008. Girnar, the second home of the last surviving group of Asiatic lions after Gir, was earlier under the reserved forest category. The forest provides shelter to some two dozen lions, 50 leopards and various species of herbivores.

Haribhai Dabhi, MWIPC leader, said: “The closure of the mines has affected some 25,000 labourers and their family. We are struggling for a daily meal. If mining does not resume soon, a mass exodus cannot be ruled out.” He added that the closure of the mines was also affecting education of their children.

He added that the Junagadh Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) also falls within 5 km of the sanctuary. “All the factories and industrial activities function normally there. When the sanctuary rules do not affect the GIDC, then why are the mines being shut,” Parmar said.

Naranbhai Dabhi, a labour leader, said, “The mines are located in a safe area outside the sanctuary limit. There is a railway line and the state highway runs parallel to the sanctuary border. The mines are located beyond this highway. No wild animal has been seen roaming around in the mining area.” The resumption of mining activities will not damage wildlife or environment as “no heavy machinery is used in these mines. So the question of air, water or sound pollution does not arise,” he added.