On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a lion safari at Gujarat’s Gir National Park to mark World Wildlife Day. Dressed in a safari outfit and equipped with a camera, he captured glimpses of the majestic Asiatic lions. Extending his wishes on World Wildlife Day, PM Modi emphasized the importance of protecting biodiversity, stating, "Every species plays a vital role—let's safeguard their future for generations to come. We take pride in India’s efforts toward wildlife conservation."

Currently, Asiatic lions roam across approximately 30,000 square kilometers spanning 53 talukas in nine districts of Gujarat. To protect them, the state government has launched multiple conservation initiatives, including the establishment of a National Referral Center for Wildlife in Junagadh, covering over 20.24 hectares. Additionally, a high-tech wildlife monitoring center and an advanced hospital have been set up in Sasan to enhance conservation efforts.

In 2024, the Gujarat government recruited 237 beat guards (162 men and 75 women) to patrol protected areas and safeguard lion habitats. PM Modi, who played a crucial role in Gir’s conservation efforts during his tenure as Gujarat’s Chief Minister, first visited the forest in 2007 to assess the situation firsthand.

His leadership led to transformative initiatives for the holistic development of the Gir region and the expansion of conservation efforts beyond the national park. With the concept of Bruhad Gir, PM Modi broadened the conservation scope to a 30,000 sq. km area from Barda to Botad, ensuring not just the protection of Asiatic lions but also the well-being of local communities in the region.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from X@ANI.