PM Modi Announces Asiatic Lion Population Estimation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the seventh meeting of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) at Sasan, Junagadh, Gujarat. The meeting, attended by Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav and other NBWL members, focused on critical wildlife conservation efforts, including the upcoming Asiatic lion population estimation and the launch of various conservation initiatives.

Asiatic Lion Population Estimation to be Held in May 2024

One of the key highlights of the meeting was the announcement of the 16th Asiatic Lion Population Estimation, scheduled for May 2024. The estimation will provide crucial insights into the current status of Asiatic lions, their population growth, habitat conditions, and conservation challenges.

Steady Rise in Asiatic Lion Population

Prime Minister Modi, who embarked on a lion safari at Gir National Park before the meeting, emphasized the steady rise in the Asiatic lion population due to collective conservation efforts. He particularly acknowledged the contributions of tribal communities and women in preserving lion habitats.

Key Initiatives Announced

1. Establishment of the National Referral Centre for Wildlife in Junagadh

The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for a National Referral Centre for Wildlife, which will be developed over 20.24 hectares of land at New Pipalya, Junagadh. This centre will serve as a crucial facility for wildlife health monitoring, disease management, and research.

2. Centre of Excellence for Human-Wildlife Conflict Management in Coimbatore

Recognizing the increasing human-wildlife conflicts, the government announced the establishment of a Centre of Excellence for Human-Wildlife Conflict Management at SACON, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. This initiative aims to:

• Develop scientific solutions for mitigating conflicts between humans and wildlife.
• Implement sustainable co-existence strategies.
• Enhance wildlife conservation policies through research and policy recommendations.

3. Book Unveiling on River Dolphins

During the meeting, PM Modi unveiled a book on river dolphins, highlighting the importance of conserving aquatic biodiversity and protecting endangered freshwater species.

NBWL: A Crucial Body for Wildlife Conservation

The National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) is a statutory advisory body that plays a pivotal role in shaping India’s wildlife conservation policies. The NBWL consists of 47 members, including:

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the ex-officio chairperson.
• Union Minister of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav as the vice-chairperson.
• Representatives from various states.
• NGOs, chief wildlife wardens, and secretaries from different states.
• The Chief of Army Staff.

Project Lion: A ₹2,900 Crore Conservation Initiative

The central government has approved over ₹2,900 crore under Project Lion, aimed at ensuring the long-term conservation of Asiatic lions, which are exclusively found in Gujarat.

Current Status of Asiatic Lions in Gujarat

• Asiatic lions now inhabit nearly 30,000 sq km across 53 talukas in 9 districts of Gujarat.
• The Greater Gir region remains the primary habitat, supported by multiple conservation projects.
• The state government, in collaboration with the Indian Railways, has introduced Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to prevent lion fatalities on railway tracks.

Strengthening Conservation Infrastructure in Gir

• 1. High-Tech Wildlife Monitoring Centre
• A state-of-the-art wildlife monitoring centre has been established at Sasan, Gir, using advanced tracking technology to monitor lions and other wildlife species.
• 2. Advanced Wildlife Hospital
• To improve healthcare and rescue operations, a fully equipped wildlife hospital has been set up in Sasan.

Summary of the News