Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on 10 August declared that the state's Asiatic lion conservation programme goes far beyond counting animals — it is a commitment to safeguarding the entire ecosystem. Speaking on World Lion Day, Patel joined the official celebration at Tajawala Hall, Porbandar virtually from Gandhinagar, as the state's lion population stood at 891 according to government figures.

'Lion conservation is not merely a programme to increase the number of lions, but a resolve to protect the entire ecosystem,' Patel said, linking forest protection, water sources, agriculture, and human welfare as inseparable parts of the same mission.

Gujarat's Four-Pillar Conservation Model

CM Patel outlined a structured approach that the state has developed over the years, resting on four pillars: modern technology, scientific research, public participation, and effective administration. He said this framework had driven consistent growth in the lion population and had helped expand the big cat's geographical range from 3 districts to 11 districts over the past two and a half decades.

The model also prioritises biodiversity conservation, protection of water resources, and active involvement of local communities — particularly the Maldhari pastoral communities who coexist with lions across the Gir landscape.

Barda Hills: Lions Return After 143 Years

A highlight of the event was the renewed focus on the Barda Wildlife Sanctuary, where lions have returned after an absence of 143 years. Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia, who attended in person at Porbandar, said the first lion arrived at Barda in 2023 and that 26 lions now reside in the area, making it the emerging second home for Asiatic lions after the Gir landscape.

A safari park spanning approximately 270 hectares is being planned at Barda. Authorities are also working to develop Mokr Sagar and Medha Creek as bird sanctuaries, with efforts underway to secure Ramsar site status for Mokr Sagar — a designation that would place it among internationally recognised wetlands.

Project Lion and the National Wildlife Board Meeting

CM Patel credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Project Lion' initiative with providing fresh momentum for habitat restoration, community involvement, and maintaining an ecology-development balance. He also referred to a meeting of the National Board for Wildlife held in Gir, describing it as having given 'a new direction for wildlife conservation.'

'The successful conservation story of Gir's lions has become global through Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for wildlife and nature conservation and the Forest Department's proactive practices,' Patel said.

On-Ground Steps and Official Presence

During the event, Minister Modhwadia and senior officials flagged off patrolling bikes and rescue vehicles to bolster field operations. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force Dr Jaipal Singh outlined ongoing conservation measures by both the state and central governments.

Senior officials joining virtually from Gandhinagar included Minister of State for Forest and Environment Pravin Mali, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Sanjeev Kumar, and Principal Secretary (Forest and Environment Department) Dr Vinod Rao.

Modhwadia urged citizens and tourists to maintain a safe distance from wildlife and avoid disturbing lions, underscoring that coexistence — not conflict — must define the relationship between communities and the big cats. With Barda emerging as a second habitat and the Porbandar region developing as a wildlife tourism destination, Gujarat's lion story appears set to expand well beyond the Gir forest in the years ahead.