Rajkot: In good news for fans of wildlife, pirik island in Jamnagar – known for rich sea biodiversity – can be reopened for the general public in the near future.
The islands have been forbidden for visitors for the past four and a half years for security reasons.
However, the forest department plans to frame the guidelines and open the island for public again.
East Island in Marine National Park, Pirakakan spread in a 3 square kilometer area.
This island, which is partially submerged during a tide, located 12 km from the beach in Kutch Bay.
Piron is the only island near Port Bedi and Rozi Jamnagar where visitors are permitted.
Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB) handles the island port.
The security team’s security remains a focal point of plans to reopen the island, said forest officials.
The island is cut-off from cellular networks, no electricity and also no food availability.
Marooned due to tide, which drown parts of the island, a visitor can be stranded here in the absence of trained guidelines and adequate knowledge of the local environment.
Also, there is currently no mechanism to increase the alarm if an emergency occurs.
R Senthil, Deputy Forest Conservator, Marine National Park, said that the island would be open to the public after safety guidelines were approved by higher authorities.
“We will prepare guidelines in coordination with agents such as Indian coast guards, GMB, police and district administration to allow visitors to consider all aspects of safety,” Senthil said.
The coast guard will be an illustration if the temporary rescue operation is needed by Jetty GMB will be needed for visitors to ride the ship.
Monitoring of the total district administration is also needed.
According to forest officials, the district administration is currently busy in carrying out the selection of Gram Panchayat.
After the poll addresses the guidelines will be prepared.
Pirakotu island nearby Bedi, Rozi and Nava Port of Jamnagar is a treasure for marine life.
Apart from many species of crabs, this island is home to marine scorpions, sea snakes, octopus, marine worms and other sea creatures.
Seabirds such as pelicans and seagulls include adding biodiversity of the island.
The visitors were banned after complaints from several intrusions were received several years ago.