Current Affairs

Sign in
GeographyGS3
GS3

Barda Sanctuary Maldhari Relocation For Asiatic Lion Habitat

Source:theprint ↗

Why It Matters

Important for understanding conservation strategies for endangered species like the Asiatic lion and policy measures addressing human-wildlife coexistence in protected areas of Gujarat.

Summary

The Gujarat government has announced a special rehabilitation scheme to relocate Maldhari pastoralists from the Barda Wildlife Sanctuary to facilitate its development as a safe, secondary habitat for Asiatic lions.

Key Points

  • Gujarat Chief Minister announced a comprehensive relocation and rehabilitation scheme for Maldharis living inside the Barda Wildlife Sanctuary.
  • Barda Sanctuary is being developed as a vital second home for the Asiatic lions, supplementing the Gir National Park population.
  • The rehabilitation package aims to ensure conflict-free wildlife conservation while providing alternative livelihood and settlement support to the pastoralist Maldhari community.

Important Terms

Maldhari Rehabilitation Scheme

A voluntary government rehabilitation initiative providing financial compensation and land plots to Maldhari pastoralists residing inside the Barda Wildlife Sanctuary to facilitate Asiatic lion conservation.

UPSC context

Important for GPSC Paper 3 (Environment, Biodiversity, and Wildlife Conservation), testing schemes related to protected area management and community relocation.

Source
Barda Wildlife Sanctuary

A protected area spanning Porbandar and Devbhumi Dwarka districts in Gujarat, designated as a secondary habitat for Asiatic lions.

UPSC context

Important for GPSC Paper 3 under Gujarat geography and biodiversity conservation, testing knowledge of protected areas and endangered species habitat.

Source
Maldharis

Traditional semi-nomadic pastoralist communities residing in forest settlements (*nes*) within protected areas of Gujarat, known for livestock rearing.

UPSC context

Important for GPSC Paper 3 (Social Justice and Environment), testing issues concerning indigenous pastoral communities, forest rights, and wildlife conservation.

Source

Static Concepts Connected

Environment & Biodiversity Protected Areas

What are the key protected area categories and management protocols for Asiatic lions in Gujarat?

  • Primary Habitat: Gir National Park (Sasan Gir) is the exclusive wild home of the Asiatic lion (*Panthera leo leo*).
  • Secondary Habitat: Barda Wildlife Sanctuary (Porbandar/Devbhumi Dwarka) is developed as the secondary home, supported by Project Lion.
  • Local Community: Maldharis are traditional pastoralist communities residing inside Gir and Barda, partially relocated via NTCA packages.

Cross-Topic Patterns

  • Project Lion & Protected Area Network expansion

    Project Lion aligns with Project Tiger and Elephant under the MoEFCC, integrating conservation genetics and habitat connectivity in Saurashtra.

  • Maldhari Pastoralism vs Wildlife Conservation Rights

    Voluntary relocation of pastoralists like Maldharis under NTCA guidelines balances indigenous livelihood rights with wildlife corridor security.

Expect match-the-following or statement questions on Barda Sanctuary location, Project Lion, and Maldhari rehabilitation package details.

Linked PYQs · 1

Linked PYQs · 1

  • 2026GPSC_PRELIMSGS1

    The 'Great Indian Bustard (GIB)' (Ghorad) is frequently seen in the news in the context of wildlife conservation efforts in western India. Consider the following statements regarding this species: 1. Currently, the highest surviving wild population of the Great Indian Bustard in India is located in the semi-arid grasslands of Gujarat. 2. It is a long-distance migratory bird that travels from Central Asia to the Indian subcontinent to escape harsh winters. Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?