The Impressive TimesNew Delhi : Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair a crucial meeting of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) at Sasan Gir in Junagadh district of Gujarat on the occasion of World Wildlife Day today. This meeting holds significance as it will review ongoing wildlife conservation efforts and propose new strategies for the protection of endangered species in India.
The NBWL is a high-level advisory board that plays a pivotal role in framing policies for wildlife protection and forest conservation. It consists of 47 members, including the Chief of Army Staff, representatives from various states, NGOs working in the field of wildlife conservation, chief wildlife wardens, and secretaries from different state governments. The Prime Minister serves as the chairperson of this board, ensuring that conservation policies align with national environmental priorities.
As part of his visit to Sasan Gir, PM Modi will also take part in a tree plantation drive at the Sinh Sadan Campus. This initiative aligns with India’s broader commitment to increasing forest cover and mitigating climate change. Additionally, the Prime Minister will flag off patrolling bikes to be used by field staff for enhanced surveillance and protection of wildlife. The increased mobility and presence of forest guards are expected to further strengthen conservation efforts in the region.
Before the meeting, PM Modi is scheduled to take a lion safari at the Gir National Park, the only habitat of Asiatic lions in the world. Gir has seen a steady rise in its lion population, reflecting the success of conservation programs in Gujarat. According to the last official census conducted in 2020, the lion population in the Gir forest region stood at 674. Today, Asiatic lions are found across 53 talukas in 9 districts of Gujarat, covering an estimated area of 30,000 square kilometers.
The central and state governments have launched multiple initiatives to conserve these majestic big cats and protect other wildlife species in the region. Under the national Project Lion, a National Referral Center for Wildlife is being developed over 20.24 hectares in New Pipalya, Junagadh district. Additionally, a high-tech monitoring center for wildlife tracking and a modern hospital for treating injured and sick animals have been established in Sasan.
Apart from conservation efforts, eco-tourism has played a crucial role in the region’s development. More than 33 lakh tourists have visited the Gir protected area in the last five years, contributing significantly to the local economy. The rise in tourism has created employment opportunities for local communities, including eco-guides, safari operators, and hospitality services.
The Prime Minister will also interact with eco-guides, wildlife trackers, and field staff to understand the on-ground challenges faced in conservation efforts.
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