On Monday morning, on the occasion of World Wildlife Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a special lion safari at the renowned Gir Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the Junagadh district of Gujarat. His visit to the sanctuary was part of his larger tour of the state, which included several engagements focused on conservation efforts and governance.
Before setting out for the safari, Prime Minister Modi had spent the night at Sinh Sadan, a well-known forest guest house managed by the Gujarat Forest Department in Sasan. His arrival in Sasan followed his visit to Somnath on Sunday evening, where he offered prayers at the revered Lord Shiva temple. The Somnath temple, considered the first among the twelve Jyotirlingas, holds immense spiritual significance in Hindu tradition.
In the early hours of Monday, the Prime Minister departed from Sinh Sadan to commence his much-anticipated lion safari within the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary. He was accompanied by a team of ministers and senior officials from the state’s forest department, who guided him through the protected habitat of the Asiatic lion. This unique and carefully planned excursion underscored the government’s commitment to wildlife conservation, particularly for the Asiatic lion, which is found exclusively in Gujarat.
Following the safari, Prime Minister Modi proceeded to Sasan Gir, the administrative headquarters of the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary. There, he was scheduled to chair the seventh meeting of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL). The NBWL, an apex body responsible for formulating policies and decisions related to wildlife conservation, comprises 47 members. Its diverse representation includes the Chief of Army Staff, state officials, representatives from non-governmental organizations (NGOs) dedicated to wildlife conservation, as well as chief wildlife wardens and secretaries from multiple states across India. The meeting aimed to address key issues concerning the protection of wildlife and the implementation of conservation strategies across the country.
After concluding the NBWL meeting, Prime Minister Modi planned to interact with a group of women forest staffers at Sasan. This engagement was intended to highlight the significant role that women play in wildlife conservation and forest management, particularly in Gujarat, where numerous female forest officials contribute to the protection of endangered species, including the Asiatic lion.
The conservation of these majestic creatures has been a top priority for the central government. In a major policy move, the government has sanctioned over Rs 2,900 crore under Project Lion. This initiative is dedicated to the preservation and expansion of the Asiatic lion population, which remains confined to Gujarat’s forests. According to official estimates, these lions now occupy nearly 30,000 square kilometers, spanning across 53 talukas in nine districts of the state.
In addition to Project Lion, the government is also working on the establishment of a National Referral Center for Wildlife in Gujarat. This center, which is being developed on over 20.24 hectares of land at New Pipalya in the Junagadh district, is expected to play a crucial role in wildlife conservation efforts. The facility will focus on advanced research, diagnostics, and the treatment of wild animals to ensure their well-being and survival.
Further strengthening conservation measures, the state has set up a high-tech monitoring center dedicated to wildlife tracking, as well as a state-of-the-art veterinary hospital in Sasan. These new facilities are expected to enhance the effectiveness of conservation programs and provide better healthcare to injured or rescued animals within the sanctuary.
As part of his conservation-centric tour, Prime Minister Modi had also visited Vantara on Sunday. Vantara, a unique animal rescue, conservation, and rehabilitation center, is located within the premises of the Reliance Jamnagar refinery complex. This center is dedicated to the welfare of captive elephants and other wild animals, providing them with a haven where they receive medical care, rehabilitation, and protection from exploitation and abuse. The facility represents a significant step in India’s efforts to safeguard wildlife and offer rescued animals a humane and secure environment.
Through his visit to Gir Wildlife Sanctuary and other conservation initiatives, Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to wildlife preservation and environmental sustainability. His engagement with forest officials, policymakers, and conservationists underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in ensuring the long-term survival of India’s precious wildlife species, particularly the endangered Asiatic lion.