Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated World Wildlife Day by taking a lion safari in Gujarat’s Gir National Park.
Dressed in a safari outfit and equipped with a camera, he captured glimpses of the region’s iconic Asiatic lions.
Extending his wishes on the occasion, PM Modi stated, "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."
Asiatic lions currently inhabit approximately 30,000 square kilometers across 53 talukas in nine districts of Gujarat. The state government has implemented several conservation initiatives to protect these majestic creatures and other wildlife species.
As part of a national effort, a National Referral Center for Wildlife is being set up on over 20.24 hectares of land in New Pipalya, Junagadh district. Additionally, a high-tech wildlife monitoring center and a state-of-the-art hospital have been established in Sasan to strengthen conservation efforts.
In 2024, 237 new beat guards (162 men and 75 women) were recruited in Gir to patrol protected areas and ensure the safety of lion habitats. Gujarat's conservation efforts for Asiatic lions have been significantly shaped by the initiatives of Narendra Modi during his tenure as the state's Chief Minister.
In 2007, he personally visited the Gir forest to assess ground realities and spearheaded transformative projects for the holistic development of the region, lion conservation, and biodiversity preservation.
The concept of Bruhad Gir, introduced by Modi, expanded conservation beyond the Gir National Park to cover a vast 30,000 sq. km area from Barda to Botad, where Asiatic lions are found. This initiative not only ensured the protection of wildlife but also focused on the welfare and progress of local communities.
World Wildlife Day, observed annually on March 3, was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2013 to raise awareness about the world's wild fauna and flora.
On this occasion, PM Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to wildlife conservation, stating, "Every species plays a vital role—let's safeguard their future for generations to come!"