PM Modi’s Leadership Roars Behind Project Lion’s Triumph, says Union Minister Shri Bhupender Yadav

Gujarat Celebrates World Lion Day 2025 with Mega Wildlife Conservation Drive at Barda Wildlife Sanctuary

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, in collaboration with the Forest and Environment Department, Government of Gujarat, celebrated yesterday World Lion Day – 2025 at Barda Wildlife Sanctuary, Devbhumi Dwarka district, Gujarat. The celebration was graced by Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel, Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shri Bhupender Yadav, along with Gujarat Forest Minister Shri Mulubhai Bera, Members of Parliament, State legislators, and other public representatives.

Addressing the gathering, Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav, expressed happiness over the significant rise in India’s lion population, which has grown to 891, up from 674 in 2020.  Union Minister Shri Bhupender Yadav further said, “The Asiatic Lion (Panthera leo persica) is a global symbol of successful wildlife conservation, and on this World Lion Day, we celebrate their remarkable recovery. From just 284 lions in 1990, the population has now risen to 891 in 2025 — a 32% increase since 2020 and over 70% growth in the past decade.”

Calling it an “astounding success of conservation,” the Minister credited this achievement to the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, who, first as Chief Minister of Gujarat and later as Prime Minister, made Project Lion a priority area of action.

Union Minister Shri Bhupender Yadav congratulated every forest official, wildlife lover, and environment enthusiast for their role in this success story. “It is heartening to note that such remarkable growth has been made possible through collective will, dedication, and policies rooted in co-existence,” he said.

The Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment towards building a Viksit Bharat where humans and wildlife flourish together, ensuring that the conservation momentum continues for generations to come.

Shri Bhupender Yadav also said, “It is a matter of immense national pride that if the Asiatic lion exists anywhere in the world, it is in Gir, Gujarat. Our relentless conservation efforts have doubled their population in the past decade, giving hope to global wildlife protection. Let yesterday’s inauguration inspire all to protect this majestic animal—the true symbol of Gujarat’s heritage and India’s ecological strength.”

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel reiterated Gujarat’s commitment to the protection and growth of the Asiatic lion population, stating that the state continues to serve as the global home of this iconic species.

The Chief Minister informed that under the visionary guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the lion population in Gujarat has increased from 674 to 891 over recent years through scientific conservation measures and sustained community participation.

Shri Bhupendra Patel noted that the inauguration of new habitats, advanced veterinary care facilities, and eco-tourism infrastructure worth ₹180 crore marks a significant milestone for lion conservation in the state. He said that, after 143 years, lions have returned to the Barda region—restoring ecological balance and adding to the state’s natural heritage.

He emphasised that Gujarat will continue to lead with proactive habitat management, human–wildlife conflict mitigation, and livelihood opportunities for local communities, ensuring that “the roar of the Asiatic lion remains the pride of Gujarat and the heritage of India.”

The Chief Minister commended the Forest Department, local communities, and conservation partners for their role in achieving these milestones.

World Lion Day, celebrated annually on August 10, aims to raise awareness about the conservation and protection of lions worldwide. In Gujarat, the Asiatic Lion is a unique ecological and cultural treasure, found only in the Saurashtra region. The Ministry and state’s consistent efforts under Project Lion and the leadership of the Gujarat government have made significant strides in ensuring the survival and growth of this iconic species.

On August 15, 2020, during the 74th Independence Day address from the Red Fort, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi announced Project Lion to ensure the long-term conservation of Asiatic Lions. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, has approved a 10-year project with a total budget of ₹2,927.71 crore for lion conservation. A National Referral Centre for wildlife healthcare has been approved by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, with 20.24 hectares of land allocated by the state government at New Pipliya in Junagadh District for this purpose. The project is currently in progress.

The grand celebrations of ‘World Lion Day’ were also organised across 11 districts of Saurashtra, Gujarat, to promote awareness about the conservation and protection of the ‘King of the Jungle’—the Asiatic Lion. These majestic animals roam freely in their natural habitat across approximately 35,000 sq. km in 11 districts of Saurashtra. The lion population in Gujarat has increased by 32% since 2020, rising from 674 in 2020 to 891 as per the May 2025 lion population estimation.

The Barda Wildlife Sanctuary spans 192.31 sq. km across Porbandar and Devbhumi Dwarka districts. Barda is emerging as a second home for Asiatic Lions. After the natural migration of lion to the area in 2023, the lion population has grown to 17, including 6 adults and 11 cubs. The sanctuary is a significant biodiversity hotspot and a key area for the conservation of Asiatic Lions. Being in the vicinity of the Dwarka- Porbandar-Somnath tourist circuit, the Barda area holds a significant tourism potential. A safari park in about 248 Ha area is planned to be initiated for which land have been allocated by the State Government. Wildlife conservation works amounting to about Rs 180.00 crore will also be launched at the event.

The Government of India has also granted in-principle approval for the development of the Barda Safari Park and Zoo, which will strengthen ecotourism in the region while providing a significant boost to lion conservation efforts within the Barda landscape.

The event was also joined through satellite communication by the lakhs of students from the schools and colleges across the 11 districts of the Greater Gir Lion Landscape. During 2024, 18.63 lakh students participated in the event on World Lion Day.

Disclaimer: This is an official press release by Pib.