PM hails community role in Asiatic lion conservation

Ahmedabad: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday lauded the unwavering commitment of local communities, particularly the Maldharis (traditional cattle rearers) for their pivotal role in the roaring success of Asiatic lion conservation in Gir and adjoining areas.
Addressing the seventh meeting of the National Board for Wildlife in Sasan, Modi urged officials to replicate Gujarat's community-driven conservation model across the country. He highlighted how the deep-rooted coexistence between humans and lions has played a key role in the steady rise of the Asiatic lion population.
Citing an inspiring example of people's dedication to wildlife, Modi said that many locals in Gir and nearby areas refuse to claim compensation for cattle killed by lions.
"In the last many years, collective efforts have ensured a steady rise in the Asiatic lion population. Equally commendable is the role of tribal communities and women from surrounding villages in preserving the lions' habitat," he wrote on X. He also urged people to visit Gir.
With Asiatic lions naturally dispersing to Barda Wildlife Sanctuary, some 100 km from Gir, Modi announced that conservation efforts in Barda will be boosted through prey base augmentation and habitat improvement initiatives.
Modi began the World Wildlife Day by embarking on an early morning safari in the tourism zone of Sasan Gir Sanctuary, where he sighted 14 lions at four different locations on the Dedakadi route between 6:30am and 9am. His sightings included a lioness with two cubs, two male lions, a pride of six lions, and another lioness with two cubs. Modi captured the majestic animals on his camera and shared photographs on X, calling the experience a trip down memory lane from his tenure as Gujarat CM.
"This morning, on #WorldWildlifeDay, I went on a safari in Gir, which, as we all know, is home to the majestic Asiatic Lion. Coming to Gir also brings back many memories of the work we collectively did when I was serving as Gujarat CM," he wrote.
During his visit, the PM also interacted with eco-guides, trackers, and frontline forest staff. He also flagged off a fleet of motorcycles to enhance the mobility of forest personnel in patrolling the sanctuary's rugged terrain.
Union minister for environment, forest and climate change Bhupender Yadav, along with senior officials, accompanied Modi during the safari.