Gir Somnath, Gujarat: Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Gir National Park on Monday to mark World Wildlife Day. Dressed in a safari outfit and holding a camera, he explored the park and captured glimpses of the majestic Asiatic lions.
PM Modi extended his wishes on World Wildlife Day, urging people to protect nature and wildlife. He emphasized that every species plays a vital role in maintaining ecological balance. “Let’s safeguard their future for generations to come,” he said. He also highlighted India’s contributions to wildlife conservation.
Conservation Efforts in Gujarat
Gir is home to the only wild population of Asiatic lions in the world. Currently, these lions inhabit 30,000 sq. km across 53 talukas in nine districts of Gujarat. To protect them, the state government has launched several conservation initiatives.
A National Referral Center for Wildlife is being set up in Junagadh district on 20.24 hectares of land. The government has also established a high-tech wildlife monitoring center and a state-of-the-art hospital in Sasan Gir. These facilities aim to provide better care and scientific tracking of wildlife.
In 2024, 237 new beat guards (162 men and 75 women) were recruited to patrol lion habitats and prevent illegal activities like poaching.
PM Modi’s Longstanding Role in Lion Conservation
As Gujarat’s Chief Minister, PM Modi played a key role in protecting Asiatic lions. In 2007, he personally visited Gir Forest to assess challenges and later introduced the Bruhad Gir project.
This initiative expanded the conservation focus beyond Gir National Park and Sanctuary, covering a 30,000 sq. km area from Barda to Botad, where Asiatic lions are found. The project not only helped in lion conservation but also improved the welfare of local communities living in the region.
Under his leadership, Gujarat has taken bold steps in wildlife conservation. The Asiatic lion population has steadily increased, and efforts continue to ensure their safety and well-being.
With these measures, Gujarat remains committed to protecting its iconic Asiatic lions and preserving its rich biodiversity.
