Lion conservation in Gujarat aimed at protecting entire ecosystem, says CM Patel

Porbandar/Gandhinagar, Aug 10 (IANS) Gujarat’s lion conservation efforts are being positioned not merely as a drive to increase the Asiatic lion population but as a broader effort to protect the entire ecosystem, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said on Monday as the state marked ‘World Lion Day’ in Porbandar.

“Lion conservation is not merely a programme to increase the number of lions, but a resolve to protect the entire ecosystem,” Patel said while virtually joining the celebration held at Tajawala Hall in Porbandar from Gandhinagar.

He said the protection of forests, water sources, agriculture and human life was closely linked, and called for greater public participation in efforts to conserve nature and the environment.

The annual World Lion Day programme, held on August 10 to raise awareness about the conservation of Asiatic lions, was attended in Porbandar by Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia.

Patel said Gujarat being the only home of free-ranging Asiatic lions was a matter of both pride and responsibility. According to the state government, the lion population has risen to 891.

CM Patel attributed the growth to the state’s sustained approach to wildlife conservation and said Gujarat had developed a distinctive conservation model based on four pillars: modern technology, scientific research, public participation and effective administration.

He said the model also focused on conserving natural resources and biodiversity, protecting water resources and wildlife, and involving local communities.

“The successful conservation story of Gir’s lions has become global through Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for wildlife and nature conservation and the Forest Department’s proactive practices,” Patel said.

He said the relationship between local communities and lions had increasingly developed around coexistence.

“The geographical range of lions has expanded from three districts to 11 districts over the past two and a half decades,” he said.

Patel also referred to the return of lions to the Barda Hills after 143 years. The Barda Wildlife Sanctuary has been naturally accepted by lions as a new habitat, he said, adding that the Barda region, including Porbandar, had considerable natural attractions and was emerging as a tourist destination.

He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had launched “Project Lion” to conserve and restore lion habitats, involve local communities and maintain a balance between ecology and development.

Patel also referred to the meeting of the National Board for Wildlife held in Gir, saying it had provided a “new direction for wildlife conservation”.

Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia said Barda was emerging as the second home of lions after the Gir landscape.

“The lion had returned to the Barda Wildlife Sanctuary after 143 years and following the arrival of the first lion there in 2023, 26 lions were now residing in the area,” he emphasised.

Modhwadia said a safari park was being planned across about 270 hectares in Barda following the jungle safari initiative.

Work was also underway to develop Mokr Sagar and Medhakreek as bird sanctuaries, while efforts were underway to secure Ramsar site status for Mokr Sagar.

“If wildlife survives, only then can humanity survive,” Modhwadia said, while stressing the importance of coexistence between lions, Maldharis and local communities.

He appealed to citizens and tourists not to disturb lions and to maintain a safe distance from wildlife.

Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force, Dr Jaipal Singh, outlined the conservation efforts being undertaken by the state and Central governments for lions.

During the programme, Modhwadia and other officials flagged off patrolling bikes and rescue vehicles.

Minister of State for Forest and Environment, Pravin Mali; Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Sanjeev Kumar; Principal Secretary (Forest and Environment Department) Dr Vinod Rao; and senior Forest Department officials joined the Chief Minister virtually from Gandhinagar.

–IANS

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