Highlights Conservation Efforts for Asiatic Lions and Wildlife in Gujarat
Sasan, Gujarat – March 3, 2025: On the occasion of World Wildlife Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took part in a lion safari at the renowned Gir Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat’s Junagadh district early Monday morning, reaffirming India's commitment to wildlife conservation.During his visit, PM Modi underscored the success in conservation efforts, noting a significant rise in the population of Asiatic lions. Sharing his experience on X, Modi stated, "This morning, on #WorldWildlifeDay, I went on a Safari in Gir, which, as we all know, is home to the majestic Asiatic Lion. Coming to Gir also brings back many memories of the work we collectively did when I was serving as Gujarat CM."
The Prime Minister commended the indispensable role played by tribal communities and women from surrounding areas in protecting and preserving the habitat of the Asiatic lion. He emphasized, "In the last many years, collective efforts have ensured that the population of Asiatic lions is rising steadily. Equally commendable is the role of tribal communities and women from surrounding areas in preserving the habitat."
Steady Growth in Wildlife Populations
In another tweet highlighting India's broader wildlife conservation achievements, Modi mentioned, "Over the last decade, the population of tigers, leopards, rhinos have risen too, indicating how deeply we cherish wildlife and are working to build sustainable habitats for animals." The Prime Minister also shared captivating images of the lions encountered during his safari.Accompanied by Union Ministers and Forest Officials
Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav, along with other ministers and senior forest department officials, accompanied Modi during the safari. Subsequently, PM Modi chaired the seventh meeting of the National Board for Wildlife at Sasan Gir, the headquarters of Gir Wildlife Sanctuary.Government Initiatives and Conservation Projects
Highlighting the Centre's support for wildlife conservation, a government release mentioned that over Rs 2,900 crore had been approved for Project Lion, specifically aimed at conserving the Asiatic lions, a species uniquely found in Gujarat. The release further noted that Asiatic lions currently inhabit approximately 30,000 square kilometres spanning 53 talukas across nine districts in Gujarat.Additionally, the government is establishing a National Referral Centre for Wildlife at New Pipalya in Junagadh district on an area of over 20.24 hectares. The region has also benefited from the establishment of a high-tech wildlife monitoring centre and a state-of-the-art hospital in Sasan Gir, further strengthening conservation efforts.
Modi’s Gujarat Visit Highlights Wildlife Welfare Initiatives
Prime Minister Modi had earlier stayed overnight at Sinh Sadan, a forest guest house managed by Gujarat’s forest department, after arriving from Somnath, where he offered prayers at the revered Lord Shiva temple—the first among the 12 Jyotirlingas.On Sunday, Modi also visited Vantara, a dedicated animal rescue, conservation, and rehabilitation centre located within the Reliance Jamnagar refinery complex. This facility provides essential sanctuary, rehabilitation, and medical care, particularly to captive elephants and wildlife rescued from exploitation and abuse.
The Prime Minister’s visit underscores the ongoing efforts and initiatives aimed at wildlife conservation, highlighting India's dedication to safeguarding its rich biodiversity and wildlife habitats.
Sasan (Gujarat), Mar 3 (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi went on a lion safari at Gir Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat's Junagadh district on Monday morning, on the occasion of the World Wildlife Day. In a post on X, Modi said the population of Asiatic lions has seen a steady rise due to collective efforts, and commended the contribution of tribals and women living in surrounding areas in preserving the Asiatic lion habitat. "This morning, on #WorldWildlifeDay, I went on a Safari in Gir, which, as we all know, is home to the majestic Asiatic Lion. Coming to Gir also brings back many memories of the work we collectively did when I was serving as Gujarat CM," he said. "In the last many years, collective efforts have ensured that the population of Asiatic Lions is rising steadily. Equally commendable is the role of tribal communities and women from surrounding areas in preserving the habitat of the Asiatic Lion," Modi added.
"Over the last decade, the population of tigers, leopards, rhinos have risen too, indicating how deeply we cherish wildlife and are working to build sustainable habitats for animals," he said in another tweet. The prime minister also posted pictures of lions that he came across during the safari. Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav, other ministers and senior forest department officials accompanied Modi during the safari. The PM later went to chair the seventh meeting of the National Board for Wildlife at Sasan Gir, the headquarters of the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary. The central government has approved more than Rs 2,900 crore for Project Lion, meant for the conservation of Asiatic lions for which Gujarat is the only abode, stated a government release. Currently, the Asiatic lions inhabit nearly 30,000 square kilometres across 53 talukas in 9 districts of Gujarat, it said. Additionally, as part of a national project, a National Referral Centre for Wildlife is being established on over 20.24 hectares of land at New Pipalya in Junagadh district, it said. A high-tech monitoring centre for wildlife tracking and a state-of-the-art hospital have also been set up in Sasan to strengthen conservation efforts, the release said. Earlier, Modi had a night halt at Sinh Sadan, a forest guest house managed by the state forest department, in Sasan after his arrival from Somnath where he offered prayers at the Lord Shiv temple, the first among 12 jyotirlingas, on Sunday evening. On Sunday, Modi also visited Vantara, an animal rescue, conservation and rehabilitation centre located at the Reliance Jamnagar refinery complex. It is a rescue centre dedicated to the welfare of captive elephants and wildlife, providing sanctuary, rehabilitation and medical care to animals rescued from abuse and exploitation. PTI KA PD GK
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