On the occasion of World Wildlife Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) meeting in Sasan, Gujarat, marking a significant step towards strengthening wildlife conservation in India. Following his lion safari at Gir National Park, Modi presided over the seventh NBWL meeting, attended by Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav and other key officials.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for the National Referral Centre-Wildlife in Junagadh and announced that the 16th Asiatic Lion Population Estimation will be conducted in May 2024. Additionally, he revealed plans to establish a Centre of Excellence for Human-Wildlife Conflict Management under SACON in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, and launched a book on river dolphins, reinforcing India’s commitment to biodiversity conservation.

The NBWL, a statutory advisory body for wildlife conservation, comprises 47 members, including the Chief of Army Staff, representatives from various states, NGOs, and wildlife experts. As the ex-officio chairperson, Modi emphasized the importance of community-driven conservation, particularly acknowledging the role of tribal communities and women in preserving Gir’s wildlife ecosystem.

Following his safari, the Prime Minister shared his reflections on X (formerly Twitter), highlighting the steady rise in Asiatic lion numbers due to collective conservation efforts. He praised the tribals and women in the surrounding areas for their dedication to wildlife protection, remarking, “Over the years, our sustained efforts have ensured a rise in the population of Asiatic Lions. The role of local communities in this achievement is truly commendable.”

Modi also pointed out broader conservation successes, stating, “In the last decade, the population of tigers, leopards, and rhinos has increased, reflecting our deep commitment to building sustainable habitats for wildlife.”

The Indian government has sanctioned over ₹2,900 crore for Project Lion, dedicated to conserving Asiatic lions, which exclusively inhabit Gujarat. Currently, these majestic animals are spread across 53 talukas in 9 districts, covering 30,000 square kilometers.

As part of ongoing conservation efforts, a high-tech wildlife monitoring centre and a state-of-the-art wildlife hospital have been established in Sasan. Additionally, the Gujarat government, in collaboration with the Indian Railways, has implemented a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to prevent accidents caused by lion movement on railway tracks in the Greater Gir region, significantly reducing such incidents.

During his three-day visit to Gujarat, Modi also visited Somnath temple in Gir Somnath district and Vantara, a dedicated animal rescue, conservation, and rehabilitation centre at Reliance Jamnagar refinery complex, which provides sanctuary and medical care for rescued wildlife, particularly captive elephants.

These initiatives highlight the government’s unwavering commitment to wildlife conservation, ensuring that India continues to set global benchmarks in habitat protection and biodiversity management.