Archive · 2 Oct 2026
Gujarat Announces Voluntary Maldhari Relocation From Lions’ Second Home
Gujarat’s chief minister announced a plan to help some Maldhari families move out of a wildlife sanctuary.
Maldharis are semi-nomadic pastoralists who traditionally live in the area.
The sanctuary is called Barda Wildlife Sanctuary.
It is being prepared as another home for Asiatic lions.
Families who qualify and choose to move will receive Rs 15 lakh.
The move is voluntary, meaning families are not being forced to leave.
The sanctuary covers 192.31 square kilometres.
The announcement was made in Porbandar during the 77th Van Mahotsav.
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel announced a voluntary relocation scheme for Maldharis living in Barda Wildlife Sanctuary.
Eligible families will receive Rs 15 lakh each for relocating outside the sanctuary.
Barda sanctuary is being developed as a second home for Asiatic lions.
The sanctuary covers 192.31 square kilometres across Porbandar and Devbhumi Dwarka districts.
Patel announced the scheme in Porbandar during the 77th Van Mahotsav.
- Who
- Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and eligible Maldhari families.
- What
- A voluntary relocation scheme offering Rs 15 lakh per eligible family to move outside Barda Wildlife Sanctuary.
- When
- Thursday, during the 77th Van Mahotsav.
- Where
- Barda Wildlife Sanctuary in Porbandar and Devbhumi Dwarka districts of Gujarat; the announcement was made in Porbandar.
- Why
- Barda is being developed as a second home for Asiatic lions.
- Announced by
- Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel
- Beneficiaries
- Eligible Maldhari families
- Relocation payment
- Rs 15 lakh per family
- Relocation status
- Voluntary
- Sanctuary
- Barda Wildlife Sanctuary
- Sanctuary area
- 192.31 square kilometres
- Purpose
- Developing Barda as a second home for Asiatic lions