The story of Asiatic lion’s conservation in Gir has become global: Gujarat CM Patel on World Lion Day

Speaking on the occasion, CM Patel said, “The population of lions in Gujarat…has increased to 891. The increasing population of lions is a matter of pride for us. Under the leadership of PM Modi, a relation of emotion and economy has been established between the locals and lions. In the last 25 years, the lion’s territory has expanded from three districts to 11 districts.”

The region is known as Barda Wildlife Sanctuary where the Asiatic lions have naturally settled after a long time while reclaiming their territory.

Referring to this fact, the CM said, “Lions have naturally made Barda Wildlife Sanctuary their home. The PM has announced to provide all necessary help and facilities for lion conservation in Barda. And today, after 143 years, rehabilitation of lions has started in Barda. Naturally beautiful Barda region is attracting tourists. With the PM’s vision and proactive practices of the forest department, the successful story of lion’s conservation in Gir has become global.”

On the occasion, the CM also inaugurated or laid the foundation stone of various projects worth Rs 180 crore in the region.

These include development of a safari park in Barda Wildlife Sanctuary, facilities for tourists there, around 247 vehicles for patrolling, monitoring and rescue of the wild animals. The CM also launched a portal from where tourists can do online booking of 24 eco-tourism sites in the state.

Yadav also delivered a speech on the occasion wherein he emphasised the importance of eco-centrism: a condition where humans can live with nature.

“And I tell it across the world, our maldhari fellows are living in their Nes (maldhari settlements in Gir region) while conserving nature. There, the population of lions has also increased,” Yadav said.

He said that Gir is the best example of how man can live with lion in a friendly manner.

“If one wants to see wildlife conservation in a friendly manner, then the Gir region of Gujarat, local government’s efforts and the lifestyle of local maldhari community should be observed,” Yadav said.

Yadav said that the concept of eco-centrism can be a big example for the world. And for that, he said, PM Modi has given a climate action programme in the form of International Big Cat Alliance.

The Union minister said that out of the seven big cat varieties in the world (lion, tiger, leopard, snow leopard, cheetah, jaguar and puma), five can be seen in India.

Yadav said that under PM Modi, conservation efforts are being made for the five big cats. Gujarat is the only place where Asiatic lions can be found.

Yadav said the number of tiger reserves in India has increased from 47 to 58 in the last 10 years, and 70% of the total tigers of the world are surviving in the wild in India.

Commenting on Project Cheetah, the Union minister said, “The fifth big cat, cheetah, was last seen in India in 1952. Those cheetahs were seen in Kuno of Madhya Pradesh… It was a big challenge to bring back the wild cheetah. I want to tell you that under the leadership of PM Modi, we had brought 20 cheetahs from Namibia and South Africa. Today, with 29 cheetahs, our fifth big cat (initiative) Project Cheetah is going very well.”