Indian PM Modi Marks World Wildlife Day with Lion Safari and Conservation Efforts at Gir National Park

TDT | Manama
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On the occasion of World Wildlife Day, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat, emphasizing the importance of wildlife conservation. During his visit, the Prime Minister took a lion safari, immersing himself in the natural habitat of the majestic Asiatic lions.

Modi, dressed in a jungle safari outfit and armed with a camera, captured glimpses of Gir’s iconic lions, a species that has made a remarkable recovery due to collective conservation efforts. In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi reflected on his time as Gujarat’s Chief Minister, recalling the work done to protect and conserve wildlife in the region.

“Coming to Gir brings back many memories of the collective efforts we made when I was serving as Gujarat CM. Over the years, we’ve seen a steady rise in the population of Asiatic Lions,” Modi posted, acknowledging the vital role of tribal communities and women in protecting the lions’ habitat. He also highlighted the increase in populations of tigers, leopards, and rhinos, reinforcing India’s commitment to wildlife conservation.

Modi extended his wishes on World Wildlife Day, calling for a renewed dedication to preserving the planet's biodiversity. “Every species plays a vital role—let’s safeguard their future for generations to come,” he said, adding that India takes immense pride in its contributions to global wildlife protection.

Gir National Park, home to the world’s only population of Asiatic lions, has seen a significant conservation effort in recent decades. Asiatic lions now inhabit approximately 30,000 square kilometers across 53 talukas in nine districts of Gujarat. The state government has rolled out multiple initiatives to ensure the protection and growth of these lions.

As part of the broader effort, a National Referral Center for Wildlife is being established in Junagadh district, furthering the protection of the region’s wildlife. PM Modi’s pivotal role in the development of Gir National Park has been well-documented. In 2007, as Gujarat’s Chief Minister, he visited the park to understand the ground realities of conservation. This led to transformative initiatives for the holistic development of the Gir region, including the introduction of the Bruhad Gir project. This initiative expanded conservation efforts beyond Gir National Park to a 30,000 sq. km area, ensuring both the protection of the Asiatic lions and the well-being of local communities.

With his leadership, the efforts in Gir have not only secured a future for the Asiatic lions but also helped foster sustainable development for the surrounding areas. As World Wildlife Day continues to draw attention to the global need for conservation, PM Modi’s visit underscores India’s deep commitment to preserving its rich biodiversity for future generations.