PM'S PRAISE FOR TRIBALS!! Rs 2,900 Crore Allocated for Project Lion
The Prime Minister chaired the seventh meeting of the National Board for Wildlife at Sasan Gir.
On World Wildlife Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a lion safari at Gujarat’s Gir Wildlife Sanctuary in Junagadh district, spotlighting the thriving population of Asiatic lions and the pivotal role played by local communities in their conservation. The visit, which took place on Monday morning, underscored Gujarat’s status as the sole home of these majestic creatures.
In a post on X, PM Modi reflected on the experience, noting the steady rise in the Asiatic lion population thanks to collective efforts over the years. “This morning, on #WorldWildlifeDay, I went on a Safari in Gir, home to the majestic Asiatic Lion. Coming here rekindles memories of the work we did together when I was Gujarat’s Chief Minister,” he wrote. He shared vivid pictures of lions spotted during the safari, offering a glimpse into the sanctuary’s rich biodiversity.
The Prime Minister reserved special praise for the tribal communities and women living near Gir, crediting them for their dedication to preserving the lions’ habitat. “Their role in safeguarding this ecosystem is truly commendable,” he added, emphasizing the synergy between conservation and community involvement.
Accompanying Modi on the safari were Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, other senior ministers, and top forest department officials. Following the safari, the Prime Minister chaired the seventh meeting of the National Board for Wildlife at Sasan Gir, the sanctuary’s headquarters, to discuss further strategies for wildlife protection.
A government release highlighted the Centre’s commitment to conserving the Asiatic lion, with over Rs 2,900 crore allocated to Project Lion. The initiative aims to bolster efforts in Gujarat, where the lions’ habitat now spans nearly 30,000 square kilometers across 53 talukas in nine districts.
As part of these efforts, a National Referral Centre for Wildlife is under development on a 20.24-hectare site at New Pipalya in Junagadh. Additionally, Sasan now hosts a cutting-edge wildlife monitoring center and a modern veterinary hospital, further strengthening the region’s conservation infrastructure.
The Gir Wildlife Sanctuary, a beacon of India’s wildlife preservation success, continues to thrive as a testament to collaborative efforts between the government and local communities. Modi’s visit not only celebrated this achievement but also reinforced the nation’s resolve to protect its natural heritage.
