PM Modi Goes on Lion Safari at Gir National Park on World Wildlife Day

Image credits: News18

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently went on a lion safari at the Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat, marking the occasion of World Wildlife Day. During his visit, he was seen capturing pictures of lions, lionesses, and cubs, and later shared them on social media. The Prime Minister's visit to Gir National Park is a significant event, as it highlights the importance of conservation efforts and the need to protect and preserve the incredible biodiversity of our planet. The Asiatic Lion is an endangered species, and Gir National Park is one of the last remaining habitats for these majestic creatures.

PM Modi's visit to Gir National Park also brought back memories of his days as the Chief Minister of Gujarat, where he had worked collectively to ensure the population of Asiatic Lions continued to rise. The Prime Minister highlighted the role of tribal communities and women from surrounding areas in preserving the habitat of the Asiatic Lion, stating that their efforts were equally commendable. The conservation efforts at Gir National Park have shown significant results, with the population of Asiatic Lions increasing steadily over the years. The Prime Minister also mentioned that the population of other species, such as tigers, leopards, and rhinos, has also risen, indicating India's commitment to building sustainable habitats for animals.

The Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as Sasan Gir, is a celebrated haven for wildlife enthusiasts and a refuge for the majestic Asiatic Lion. The park is located in Gujarat's Talala Gir region and is an area of paramount importance for conservation efforts. PM Modi's visit to the park is a testament to the government's commitment to protecting and preserving the country's rich biodiversity. The Prime Minister also reiterated the importance of safeguarding the future of every species, stating that each one plays a vital role in the ecosystem. He also took pride in India's contributions towards preserving and protecting wildlife, highlighting the country's efforts to build a sustainable future for generations to come.

Some of the key highlights of PM Modi's visit to Gir National Park include his interaction with women forest staffers at Sasan, where he will also chair the seventh meeting of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL). The Centre has implemented a "Project Lion" in the Gir landscape in Gujarat for the conservation of Asiatic lions, which aims to secure and restore lions' habitats, scale up livelihood generation, and become a global hub of knowledge on big cat disease diagnostics and treatment. The project also aims to promote inclusive biodiversity conservation, ensuring that local communities are involved in the conservation efforts.

Here are some key statistics and facts about the conservation efforts at Gir National Park: * The population of Asiatic lions in Gujarat has shown an increasing trend, with the most recent estimate in June 2020 putting it at 674, up from 523 in 2015 and 411 in 2010. * The lions' distribution area rose from 22,000 square kilometers in 2015 to 30,000 square kilometers in 2020. * The Centre has implemented a "Project Lion" in the Gir landscape in Gujarat for the conservation of Asiatic lions. * The project aims to secure and restore lions' habitats, scale up livelihood generation, and become a global hub of knowledge on big cat disease diagnostics and treatment. * The project also aims to promote inclusive biodiversity conservation, ensuring that local communities are involved in the conservation efforts. PM Modi's visit to Gir National Park is a significant step towards promoting conservation efforts and protecting the country's rich biodiversity, and his commitment to preserving wildlife and the environment is a testament to the government's dedication to building a sustainable future for generations to come.