River Saraswati and Gujarat: River Saraswati and Sasan-Gir Forests

The Gir Forest National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary (also known as Sasan-Gir) is the one and only home of the pure Asiatic Lions (Panthera leo persica). It is around 45 kms from Somnath. Gir Forest measures about 260 km² for the fully protected area (the National Park). The Sanctuary is around 1150 km². It is one of the most important protected areas in Asia due to its supported species. Gir has a weird but wonderful beauty in its severity.

Gir Forest in its full splendour

The ecosystem of Gir has varied flora and fauna. Due to the efforts of the Government forest department, wildlife activists and NGOs it is protected reserve. In fact, the forest area of Gir and its lions have been declared as "protected" as early as the 1900's. At one time, the population had declined to just 25 lions but concerted efforts to save the species have borne fruit. The April 2005 census recorded the lion-count in Gir at 359, an increase of 32 compared to 2001. The lion breeding programme covering the park and surrounding area has bred about 180 lions in captivity since its inception

Rarest of the rare species - let him live in peace

Gir forms the catchments' of seven perennial rivers viz Hiran, Saraswati, Datardi, Shingoda, Macchundri, Ghodavadi and Raval. All these major rivers of Gir have perennial water supply except during severe drought. In order to tap the water resources four dams have been constructed, one each on Hiranya, Machhundri, Raval and Shingoda rivers, including the biggest reservoir in the area, the Kamleshwar Dam, nicknamed 'the lifeline of Gir'.

Unlike humans, these gentle lions do not kill the deer and other cattle for pleasure, jealousy or to demonstrate power! Truly, they are the Kings of the Jungle

In the heart of the Gir Forest 165 Kms. from Junagadh is the scenic spot of Tulsi Shyam with its hot springs, said to originate from River Saraswati. Tulsi Shyam has also a mythological story. Krishna seduces Vrinda, the wife of a demon named Jalandhara. Vrinda sacrifices herself and becomes a sati. She curses Krishna and converts him into a stone, a Shaligram. Krishna had vowed to marry Tulsi. He converts her hair to a Tulsi plant. Hindus still give Tulsi in marriage to a Shaligram. Tulsi Shyam is considered very holy by the Hindus. There are seven hot springs and the temperature varies from 70 to 80 degrees F.