Gir Somnath (Gujarat) [India]: On the occasion of World Wildlife Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a lion safari at Gir National Park in Gujarat. Sporting a safari outfit and holding a camera, PM Modi was seen capturing glimpses of the Asiatic lions, which are unique to the region.
PM Narendra Modi takes lion safari in Gir forest in Gujarat pic.twitter.com/qnJDsaBewc
— ANI (@ANI) March 3, 2025
PM Narendra Modi visits Gir National Park in Gujarat pic.twitter.com/dC9sk9wQIB
— ANI (@ANI) March 3, 2025
PM Modi extended his wishes on World Wildlife Day with a message emphasizing the importance of preserving the planet’s biodiversity.
“Today, on World Wildlife Day, 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,” he stated.
Conservation Efforts in Gujarat
The Asiatic lions currently inhabit approximately 30,000 square kilometers across 53 talukas in 9 districts of Gujarat. The state government has implemented several initiatives to ensure their conservation.
As part of a national project, a National Referral Center for Wildlife is being set up on over 20.24 hectares of land at New Pipalya in the Junagadh district. Additionally, a high-tech monitoring center for wildlife tracking and a state-of-the-art hospital have been established in Sasan to bolster conservation efforts.
In 2024, the state recruited 237 beat guards (162 men and 75 women) to patrol protected areas and safeguard lion habitats. These measures are part of a broader strategy to protect the Asiatic lions and support the local communities dependent on the forest ecosystem.
PM Modi’s Vision for Greater Gir
The release highlighted the pivotal role played by PM Modi in the conservation of Asiatic lions during his tenure as Chief Minister of Gujarat. In 2007, Modi personally visited the Gir forest to assess the situation and spearheaded transformative initiatives focusing on the holistic development of the region and the protection of its biodiversity.
He introduced the concept of ‘Bruhad Gir’ (Greater Gir), which extended the conservation focus beyond Gir National Park to cover a 30,000 sq. km area from Barda to Botad. This expanded approach aimed to protect the Asiatic lions more effectively and promote the welfare of local communities residing in and around the Gir region.
The visit underscores the government’s commitment to wildlife conservation and sustainable development, balancing the protection of endangered species with the welfare of local communities.