Gir National Park To Open Early for President Murmu’s Two-Day Visit on Oct 10–11

AHMEDABAD: In a first for Sasan-Gir, the forest department has decided to open Gir National Park earlier than scheduled to accommodate President Droupadi Murmu’s official visit on October 10 and 11.

The park, which remains closed from June 15 to October 15 every year to allow the ecosystem to rejuvenate during the monsoon, will now open on October 9 seven days before its usual reopening date. Officials confirmed that the early opening is being made as a one-time exception for the President’s itinerary.

During her two-day stay, President Murmu is expected to take a safari to witness the Asiatic lions, considered the pride of Asia, and experience the park’s lush post-monsoon landscape. This will be the fourth visit by a serving President of India to Gir.

The first was by Dr Rajendra Prasad in the 1950s, accompanied by then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, at a time when the lion population was critically low. Their visit paved the way for important conservation efforts to revive the species. Later, Presidents Pratibha Patil and Ram Nath Kovind also visited the sanctuary with their families, extending the tradition.

President Murmu’s tour will continue this legacy, reaffirming Gir’s status as both an ecological jewel and a symbol of India’s wildlife heritage. Ahead of her arrival, local authorities, forest officials, and security agencies are making special arrangements, including enhanced safari logistics, guest facilities, and strict security measures.