New Delhi: Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav announced a major milestone in India’s wildlife conservation efforts on Thursday, revealing that the country’s Asiatic lion population has risen to 891, up from 674 in 2020 — a remarkable 32% increase in just four years.
Calling it a “landmark success,” Yadav praised the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, both during his tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister and now as Prime Minister of India, for prioritizing Project Lion, which has become the central pillar of India’s lion conservation strategy.
“It is really heartening to note that the number of lions in India has risen to 891 from 674 in 2020,” Yadav wrote on X.
“This astounding success of conservation has been achieved due to the concerted efforts of PM Shri @narendramodi ji, who made Project Lion a priority area of action.”
‘Viksit Bharat’ Through Wildlife Protection
Bhupender Yadav also extended his congratulations to forest officials, wildlife lovers, and environmentalists who contributed to this success. He emphasized the importance of building a “Viksit Bharat” — a developed India — where humans and wildlife coexist and prosper together.
“Let us keep working to ensure Viksit Bharat is one where humans prosper along with wildlife,” he added.
Gujarat Leads with Commitment
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel echoed these sentiments, thanking PM Modi for his “vision and continued encouragement” in protecting the Asiatic lion, which is endemic to the Gir forest region in Gujarat.
“Project Lion has become the cornerstone in creating an ecosystem for the conservation and promotion of lions,” CM Patel said.
“Gujarat is committed to work with full energy with the central government to carry these efforts forward uninterruptedly.”
Patel also acknowledged the leadership of Environment Minister Yadav and praised the contribution of everyone involved on the ground.
Prime Minister Modi: ‘Very Exciting Information’
Reacting to the news, Prime Minister Modi shared his enthusiasm on X:
“Very exciting information! It brings me immense happiness to see that under ‘Project Lion’, the efforts being undertaken are not only providing a suitable environment for lions in Gujarat but also ensuring their protection.”
Rs 2,927 Crore Vision for Lion Conservation
The Union Environment Ministry has sanctioned ₹2,927.71 crore under Project Lion, a comprehensive conservation initiative designed to ensure the long-term survival of Asiatic lions through modern habitat and wildlife management strategies.
Key components of Project Lion include:
- Habitat and population management
- Human-wildlife conflict mitigation
- Scientific research and training
- Community engagement and eco-development
- Deployment of rescue vehicles and beat guards
- Construction of parapet walls around 55,108 open wells
- Building of 11,000 machans to help farmers coexist with wildlife
In 2024 alone:
- 237 beat guards (162 men and 75 women) were recruited.
- 92 rescue vehicles were deployed for emergency wildlife response.
Conclusion: India’s Conservation Model Gains Global Recognition
With this sharp rise in lion numbers, India strengthens its global reputation as a leader in wildlife conservation. Project Lion is now considered a model for integrated conservation, combining scientific planning, community involvement, and strong leadership.
As the nation celebrates this achievement, the focus remains on sustaining and expanding conservation gains to ensure a future where India’s natural heritage continues to thrive alongside its developmental aspirations.