PM Modi embarks on Gir lion safari on World Wildlife Day

March 03, 2025
PM Modi embarks on Gir lion safari on World Wildlife Day

Gir: Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a lion safari at Gir Wildlife Sanctuary in Junagadh district this morning, coinciding with World Wildlife Day and the last day of his three-day tour of Saurashtra.

Modi spent the night at Sinh Sadan, a forest guest house run by the state forest department in Sasan, after arriving from Somnath, where he offered prayers at the Lord Shiva temple, one of the 12 jyotirlingas, on Sunday evening. Accompanied by some ministers and senior forest officials, he set out on the safari from Sinh Sadan.

At Sasan Gir, the headquarters of the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary, Modi is also set to chair the seventh meeting of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL). The board comprises 47 members, including the Chief of Army Staff, state representatives, NGO members, chief wildlife wardens, and state secretaries. Following the meeting, the Prime Minister will interact with women forest staffers.

According to a government release, the central government has sanctioned over ₹2,900 crore for Project Lion, aimed at conserving the Asiatic lions, whose only natural habitat is Gujarat. Currently, these lions are spread across nearly 30,000 square kilometers in 53 talukas across nine districts.

As part of a national initiative, a National Referral Center for Wildlife is being developed over 20.24 hectares in New Pipalya, Junagadh district. Additionally, a high-tech wildlife monitoring center and a modern hospital have been established in Sasan to enhance conservation efforts.

On Sunday, Modi also visited Vantara, an animal rescue, conservation, and rehabilitation center within the Reliance Jamnagar refinery complex. This facility provides sanctuary, rehabilitation, and medical care for rescued captive elephants and other wildlife.

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