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Enhancing Gujarat's wildlife tourism offerings, the inauguration of the Barda Wildlife Sanctuary and Phase-1 of the Barda Jungle Safari will take place on Dhanteras, October 29, at Kapurdi Check Post in Devbhumi Dwarka aiming to ease the burden on Sasan.
The ceremony will be led by Forest and Environment Minister Mulubhai Bera, with Jamnagar MP Poonam Madam and other esteemed dignitaries gracing the event, announced Gujarat Wildlife PCCF, N Srivastava. 'Barda Jungle Safari' Phase-I, spread over approx. 192 square kilometres of the Barda region, with its high and low hills, is designated as a sanctuary. Barda Jungle Safari includes some of the most picturesque areas of Bhanwad-Ranavav and the Barda Wildlife Sanctuary. This safari offers visitors an exhilarating experience of the sanctuary's rich biodiversity. The safari trail traverses the vicinity of the Kilganga River, providing a unique opportunity to observe the sanctuary's abundant flora and distinctive fauna. Additionally, travellers are required to book their tickets in advance to obtain a safari permit. Soon, online booking facilities for these permits will also be made available, allowing tourists to plan their visits more conveniently and in advance. The sanctuary is home to 368 plant species, with shrubs making up the highest proportion at 54 per cent. The sanctuary serves as a vital habitat for a diverse array of mammals, encompassing 22 species including Asiatic Lions, leopards, jungle cats, hyenas, mongooses, jackals, foxes, hares, and various other wildlife animals. Moreover, the sanctuary consists of 269 species of birds, enriching the remarkable avian diversity. The notable species include peacocks, Partridge, Indian paradise flycatchers, Painted Stork, bulbul, drongos, Indian rollers, and white-throated kingfishers. Gujarat Wildlife PCCF, N Srivastava said "Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the conservation and preservation of wildlife has been a priority. As a result, citizens and tourists will now have the opportunity to witness Gujarat's pride, the Asiatic lion, within the hills of Barda. Currently, Gujarat is home to approximately 674 Asiatic lions and now Barda Wildlife Sanctuary in Devbhumi Dwarka district will also be established as a secure and natural habitat for them." There are 368 plant species in the varied ecosystems of Barda Wildlife Sanctuary, including 26 vine types, 59 trees, 83 herbaceous plants, and 200 shrubs. The majority, 54 per cent, is composed of shrubs, followed by trees (16 per cent), vines (9 per cent), and herbaceous plants (23 per cent). Of them, Rayan is regarded as one of the most important species at Barda. The picturesque safari spread across the large vicinity of the Kilganga River, providing the exhilarating experience of the sanctuary's rich biodiversity. The sanctuary is open during the winter season from October 16 to February and in the summer season from March 1 to June 15. Additionally, the Barda Jungle Safari is closed each year from June 16 to October 15. The visitors can book the tickets in advance to obtain a safari permit. Soon, online booking facilities for these permits will also be made available. The famous attractions located near the sanctuary are Navlakha Temple, Modpar Fort, Jambuvan Caves, Sudama, Kirti, and the famous Nageshwar and Dwarkadhish Temples. (ANI)
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