On World Wildlife Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a lion safari at Gujarat’s Gir Wildlife Sanctuary, blending symbolism with action to highlight India’s commitment to preserving its natural heritage. The visit, part of a broader tour of Gujarat, coincided with the global observance of this UN-designated day, themed in 2025 as "Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet." Modi’s presence in the last bastion of the Asiatic lion underscored both the successes and ongoing challenges of wildlife conservation in India.
Arriving from Somnath, where he offered prayers at the revered Lord Shiva temple on Sunday evening, Modi spent the night at Sinh Sadan, a forest guest house in Sasan Gir. Early Monday morning, joined by ministers and senior forest officials, he ventured into the sanctuary—a sprawling 1,412-square-kilometer haven that shelters the world’s only population of Asiatic lions (Panthera leo persica). The safari was more than a photo opportunity; it marked the start of a packed agenda aimed at reinforcing conservation efforts on a day dedicated to raising awareness about the planet’s wild fauna and flora.
World Wildlife Day, established by the United Nations in 2013, commemorates the signing of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) on March 3, 1973. This year’s theme emphasizes sustainable funding and community involvement, resonating with India’s Project Lion—a Rs 2,927-crore initiative approved by the central government to secure the future of the Asiatic lion. Gujarat, the species’ sole home, has seen its lion population climb to 674 as of 2020, with their range now spanning 30,000 square kilometers across nine districts. Modi’s safari spotlighted this success, while also drawing attention to new infrastructure like a National Referral Center for Wildlife in New Pipalya and a high-tech monitoring center and hospital in Sasan, designed to bolster these efforts.
Following the safari, Modi chaired the seventh meeting of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) at Sasan Gir. The 47-member body, including top officials, state representatives, and NGO leaders, convened to discuss policies critical to balancing development and conservation. The agenda likely included updates on Project Lion, which aims to enhance habitats, manage human-wildlife conflict, and explore secondary habitats like Barda Sanctuary. Modi also took time to engage with women forest staffers, recognizing their growing role in protecting Gir’s ecosystem—a nod to grassroots investment in both people and planet.
The visit builds on Modi’s broader conservation narrative. His official handle on X posted "Today, on #WorldWildlifeDay, let’s reiterate our commitment to protect and preserve the incredible biodiversity of our planet. Every species plays a vital role—let’s safeguard their future for generations to come! We also take pride in India’s contributions towards preserving and protecting wildlife."
Yet, the day’s events also invite reflection. The Asiatic lion’s concentration in Gujarat, while a point of pride, raises concerns about vulnerability to disease or disaster—a risk that relocation efforts to other states have yet to resolve. The expansion of lion habitats into human areas further complicates conservation, demanding sustained funding and innovative solutions, themes central to this year’s global observance.