Prime Minister Narendra Modi began World Wildlife Day with a lion safari at the renowned Gir Wildlife Sanctuary in Junagadh district, Gujarat, on Monday morning. This visit marked an essential part of his ongoing tour of the state, emphasizing his commitment to wildlife conservation.
Upon arriving from Somnath, where he visited the revered Lord Shiva temple—the first among India's 12 Jyotirlingas—Modi spent Sunday night at Sinh Sadan, a forest guest house managed by Gujarat's state forest department in Sasan.
Early Monday morning, accompanied by several ministers and senior forest officials, Modi embarked on a safari to observe the Asiatic lions, a species unique to Gujarat. Following this, at Sasan Gir, the sanctuary's administrative headquarters, the Prime Minister chaired the seventh meeting of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL).
The NBWL, a key body overseeing India's wildlife conservation policies, comprises 47 distinguished members, including the Chief of Army Staff, chief wildlife wardens, representatives of various state governments, and NGOs specializing in wildlife conservation.
Post-meeting, Prime Minister Modi also interacted personally with women staff members of the forest department at Sasan, highlighting their vital contributions to conservation efforts.
According to a recent government announcement, the central government has sanctioned over Rs 2,900 crore towards Project Lion, an ambitious conservation initiative aimed at protecting and preserving the Asiatic lions, which currently occupy an area spanning around 30,000 square kilometers across 53 talukas in nine districts of Gujarat.
As part of this nationwide wildlife conservation push, a National Referral Center for Wildlife is also being established at New Pipalya in Junagadh district, covering an expansive 20.24 hectares. In addition, Sasan has seen the development of a high-tech monitoring centre dedicated to tracking wildlife, alongside a state-of-the-art veterinary hospital designed to further strengthen ongoing conservation activities.
On Sunday, Modi also visited "Vantara," a dedicated animal rescue, conservation, and rehabilitation facility situated at the Reliance Jamnagar refinery complex. This centre is especially recognized for rescuing captive elephants and other wildlife species from abuse, providing comprehensive sanctuary, rehabilitation, and advanced medical care.
The Prime Minister's tour underscores India's commitment to wildlife preservation, reinforcing Gujarat's role as a pivotal sanctuary for the country's unique wildlife heritage.
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