MANAGEMENT ACTION PLAN FOR PROPOSED MITHIYALA WILDLIFESANCTUARY A SATELLITE OF GIR PROTECTED AREA Dr SP Sinha

 

 

                                                               

INTRODUCTION

Mithiyala Forest was under the Bhavnagar State before the Independence and has a long historical account in the field of Wildlife Conservation and its management specifically in lion conservation during that period. Due to keen interests and loves for the wildlife and its conservation, Maharaja of Bhavnagar State, H.H. Shri Krishankumar Sinhji,

 

Conserved this area known as Mithiyala Forest. Although due to number of development activities and encroachments most of peripheral forest corridor link between Gir and other areas are no more existing which once happened to be there. Existing area is degraded due lack of management inputs and protection. During that period efforts made by the then State Forest Officer Shri Dalip Sinhji extensively planted local variety of plant species, palatable grasses and fruit bearing trees by considering the preferences of wild animals found in this area. Due to less rain fall and terrain and frequent droughts water conservation measures like construction of series of check dams, reservoirs and gully traps still exists in this area and becomes the historical land marks for present days to learn and follow. Most of them are still existing and functioning after 100 year except in some area because of poor maintenance earthen boundaries started seepage and needs fresh construction.

 

H.E.Dhramakumar Sinhji, a well know wildlife conservationist and naturalist in his famous book ‘ Birds of Saurashtra’ mentioned about the distribution of lessor florican and other rare and endangered birds visiting the area. Shri P.C.Desai in his book ‘Kudarat Ni Kedeyo’ has elaborately mentioned about wildlife and other information’s of Mithiyala forest in the past years.

 

On a hilltop a well designed and fully furnished Rest House along with number of peripheral infrastructures was constructed inside the Mythiyala forest three kms from Khambha Village. These complexes were used for resting, during hunting of lion, wild boar and other wildlife with other guests and dignitaries. These complexes in recent years despite of long years of service are still standing with same dignity. Although in present day’s it is maintained well but care must be taken while repairing so that the original structure is not altered. Still a metallic measuring scale and two water tanks exist which indicates that after hunting operation wild animals were measured and pelt was processed and cleaned in these tanks. These are important spots to be preserved for the future generations.