Indian Prime Minister Modi embarks on a safari into the Gir wilderness of Gujarat, seeking encounters with the region's majestic lions.
Prime Minister Modi Highlights Successful Asiatic Lion Conservation Efforts
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently visited Gir Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat, a significant habitat for the endangered Asiatic lions, to commend the collective efforts in conserving the species.
During his visit, the Prime Minister highlighted the steady rise in the population of Asiatic lions, which now inhabit nearly 30,000 sq km across 53 talukas in nine districts of Gujarat. This growth is a testament to the success of ongoing protective measures.
The Prime Minister also appreciated the contributions of local communities, particularly tribals and women living in the surrounding areas, in preserving the Asiatic lion habitat. He took to social media to share pictures of the majestic lions he encountered during the safari.
In addition to the lion safari, the Prime Minister also visited Vantara, a rescue center dedicated to the welfare of captive elephants and wildlife. The centre provides sanctuary, rehabilitation, and medical care to animals rescued from abuse and exploitation.
The Indian government's recent efforts for Asiatic lion conservation are centred mainly around Project Lion, a 10-year initiative launched in 2020 by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The project aims to secure the future of Asiatic lions through habitat improvement, population monitoring, and reduction of human-wildlife conflict.
Key recent initiatives and efforts include the Greater Gir Concept, which expands lion habitat beyond Gir National Park to include Girnar, Pania, and Mitiyala sanctuaries. This increases protected areas and promotes sustainable populations. The government also employs advanced technology such as GPS and GIS-based real-time monitoring to track lions and human activities.
However, efforts to relocate lions beyond Gujarat have faced challenges. The focus on Kuno National Park as a secondary habitat has been complicated due to a shift in project focus to cheetah reintroduction in 2025.
To further strengthen conservation efforts, a high-tech monitoring centre for wildlife tracking and a state-of-the-art hospital have been set up in Sasan. Additionally, the Union Cabinet has approved over Rs 2,900 crores for Project Lion. A National Referral Centre for Wildlife is also being established on over 20.24 hectares of land at New Pipalya in Junagadh district.
The Prime Minister's visit to Gir Wildlife Sanctuary comes at a time when he has also been celebrating the rise in the population of tigers, leopards, and rhinos across the country over the last decade. These successes underscore the effectiveness of the government's wildlife conservation initiatives.
References: 1. India Today 2. Project Lion 3. Wildlife Institute of India 4. The Hindu 5. Gujarat Forest Department
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