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World Wildlife Day is an international celebration devoted to raising awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation and biodiversity protection. March 3rd every year reminds us of the importance of saving endangered species including their habitats.
This year, India celebrates the Asiatic lion with Prime Minister Narendra Modi inspecting Gir Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat to review the ambitious Rs 2,927 crore ‘Project Lion’.
During his visit, PM Modi Safaried through Gir which is the only home of the Asiatic lion and shared pictures and videos of his experience on his Twitter (X) account. His posts highlighted the breathtaking scenery of the sanctuary and the rare big cats roaming freely there.
A memorable visit to Gir! Have a look at the highlights… pic.twitter.com/DTqzwlerTc
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 3, 2025
What’s in the Rs 2,927 Cr Project?
Project Lion is a historic initiative to expand and protect Asiatic lions ensuring their long-term preservation. This will include the establishment of the National Wildlife Disease Diagnostic Centre at a new veterinary hospital in Sasan, Gir where accurate monitoring and intervention can happen as regards controlling diseases like Canine Distemper Virus.
Other modern surveillance measures will be incorporated for lion protection such as drone monitoring, CCTV cameras and 33 rapid response units. Barda Wildlife Sanctuary, located about 100 kilometers away from Gir is being developed as a second home for the lions to avoid overcrowding in Gir.
In addition to Barda, the project also includes plans to create eight new satellite habitats across Gujarat to increase the genetic diversity and stability of the lion populations.
The government is proposing various measures such as habitat restoration, voluntary relocation of human settlements from protected areas and giving farmers 11,000 machans to protect their crops without harming lions.
