PM to unveil Rs 29k crore Project Lion during his visit in March

Ahmedabad: Project Lion, a Rs 29,000 crore initiative emphasising disease management and habitat enhancement, is expected to be unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his Gujarat visit on March 3.
Govt sources indicated that the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) meeting, to be chaired by the PM in Sasan on March 3, will deliberate on Project Lion as part of its agenda. The PM is expected to announce the project following the meeting, which coincides with World Wildlife Day (March 3). The 2025 World Wildlife Day theme focuses on ‘Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet'.
Officials confirmed that the project received preliminary approval, with final NBWL authorisation pending, which is essential for its implementation. Sources involved in the project development revealed plans for a veterinary hospital in Sasan, lion rescue facilities, drone surveillance systems, 100 tracker positions, 33 rapid response units, and CCTV monitoring at forest entrances for lion protection.
A senior Gujarat forest department official confirmed the project's alignment with local requirements, highlighting its focus on comprehensive disease management for all wildlife, including lions, leopards, and ungulates. The National Disease Diagnostic Centre under the project aims to prevent outbreaks similar to the Babesia-CDV incident that claimed 27 lions in Sep-Oct 2018.
Officials outlined that Project Lion proposes eight additional satellite habitats beyond Gir Sanctuary in Saurashtra, including Umath Virdi in Bhavnagar, Gir, Girnar, Mitiyala, Jesor-Hipawadi, Babra Virdi, Hingolgadh, and the coastal stretch from Rajula to Jafrabad up to Mahuva. The project includes enhancement of protected areas with fruit-bearing trees to attract ungulates like nilgai. Frequently spotted lion locations within the 30,000 sq km Saurashtra region are being considered as potential habitats.
The initiative accounts for lion population growth until 2047. Officials confirmed that bi-annual herbivore censuses will continue post-implementation, with regular reporting to the implementing body. Officials noted that the project includes protection of wells and artificial pond creation to ensure adequate water sources for the lions.
Head: Project highlights
- Drone-based surveillance
- National Disease Centre at Sasan
- Dedicated ambulance for animals
- New safari parks to reduce the burden on Sasan
- Deployment of 33 rapid response teams
- CCTV surveillance at all 24 entry and exit points
- Barda to be declared as a second home
- Vaccination of feral dogs and cattle