NEW DELHI: On the occasion of World Wildlife Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi went on a lion safari at Gujarat’s Gir Wildlife Sanctuary in Junagadh on Monday.
Accompanied by ministers and senior forest officials, he explored the habitat of the majestic Asiatic lions.
Modi chaired a crucial meeting of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) at Gir, Gujarat, announcing several major conservation initiatives.
Taking to X, Modi highlighted key decisions from the meeting, including:
1. The foundation stone laying of a National Referral Centre for Wildlife in Junagadh. This center aims to enhance wildlife healthcare and research.
2. Additionally, the 16th Asiatic Lion Population Estimation will be conducted in 2025, a critical step in tracking and safeguarding the species.
3. To address the growing challenge of human-animal conflicts, a Centre of Excellence will be established at Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON) in Coimbatore.
Modi, who is on a Gujarat tour, stayed overnight at Sinh Sadan, a forest guest house in Sasan, after offering prayers at the Somnath temple on Sunday evening.
Here are some more glimpses from Gir. I urge you all to come and visit Gir in the future. pic.twitter.com/IKIFI9hcgI
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 3, 2025
At the seventh meeting of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) at Sasan Gir, PM Modi also interacted with women forest staff.
Highlighting conservation efforts, Modi wrote on X, “This morning, on World Wildlife Day, I went on a safari in Gir, home to the majestic Asiatic Lion. Collective efforts over the years have ensured their population is rising steadily. The role of tribal communities and women in preserving their habitat is commendable.”
The Prime Minister also shared photos from his safari, saying, “Lions and lionesses in Gir! Tried my hand at some photography this morning.”
Lions and lionesses in Gir! Tried my hand at some photography this morning. pic.twitter.com/TKBMKCGA7m
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 3, 2025
Project Lion, Key Details
Launched on August 15, 2020, Project Lion aims to conserve and expand the Asiatic lion population in Gujarat.
A memorable visit to Gir! Have a look at the highlights… pic.twitter.com/DTqzwlerTc
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 3, 2025
With a 10-year plan and a budget of ₹2,927.71 crore, it focuses on habitat management, wildlife health, conflict mitigation, tourism, scientific research, and biodiversity conservation.
Gujarat’s Asiatic lion population stood at 674 in 2020, spread across 53 talukas in nine districts.
The project also includes developing Barda Wildlife Sanctuary as a ‘second home’ for lions, where 17 lions now reside.
Additionally, a high-tech monitoring center, a veterinary hospital, and a National Referral Center for Wildlife Health have been set up to strengthen conservation efforts in the Gir region.
