Prime Minister Modi's Visit to Gir Somnath for World Wildlife Day
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Synopsis
On March 3, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Gir Somnath, Gujarat, to celebrate World Wildlife Day, focusing on wildlife conservation and the Asiatic lions' protection efforts in the region.
Key Takeaways
- Prime Minister Modi's visit to Gir Somnath on World Wildlife Day.
- The theme emphasizes wildlife conservation finance.
- Gujarat is home to the last Asiatic lions.
- Significant initiatives have been launched for their protection.
- Community involvement is crucial for conservation efforts.
Gandhinagar, March 2 (NationPress) In celebration of World Wildlife Day on March 3 (Monday), Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Gir Somnath located in Gujarat.
This year’s theme, ‘Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet,’ highlights the importance of conservation. Gujarat, which is home to the last remaining population of Asiatic lions, has launched several significant initiatives aimed at safeguarding these magnificent animals and enhancing biodiversity.
Currently, Asiatic lions inhabit an area of 30,000 square kilometres, covering 53 talukas across nine districts in Gujarat. To bolster conservation efforts, the state government has established a National Referral Centre for Wildlife spanning 20.24 hectares in Junagadh, along with a high-tech monitoring facility and a state-of-the-art wildlife hospital in Sasan.
Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghvi praised these initiatives, underscoring the commitment of the Gujarat Police and Forest Department in securing the safety and growth of lion populations. Over the years, various measures have been implemented to protect Gir’s wildlife. In 2024, 237 beat guards (162 men and 75 women) were hired to enhance surveillance in protected areas.
The Gir Samvad Setu initiative was introduced to address local community concerns, having conducted 300 interactive programs to date. Furthermore, nine herbivore breeding centers have been created to ensure a robust prey base for lions. In partnership with Indian Railways, a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) has been established to prevent lion fatalities due to train incidents in the Greater Gir area. Conservation education has been a significant focus, exemplified by the 2022 World Lion Day celebration, which attracted an unprecedented 13.53 lakh participants.
Prime Minister Modi has been actively involved in Asiatic lion conservation since his time as Chief Minister of Gujarat.
In 2007, following a poaching incident, his administration formed the Greater Gir Wildlife Protection Task Force to monitor wildlife crimes and enhance conservation strategies. The Greater Gir Conservation Model was implemented, expanding lion protection beyond Gir National Park to cover 30,000 sq. km, thereby ensuring a safer habitat for these animals. His tenure also saw the pioneering recruitment of women beat guards, with 111 currently serving in the Gir region. Additionally, the establishment of the Gujarat State Lion Conservation Society (GSLCS) aided in funding conservation projects through eco-tourism revenues, and the ‘Vanya Prani Mitra’ scheme was created to engage local communities in wildlife protection. Eco-tourism has significantly contributed to lion conservation while also improving local livelihoods.
The 'Khushbu Gujarat Ki' campaign, initiated by the Gujarat Tourism Department, has successfully placed Gir on the global tourism map, attracting over 33 lakh visitors over the past five years. The Ambardi Safari Park was opened in 2017 to manage the increasing influx of tourists, and an online permit booking system was introduced to enhance the safari experience.
