On World Wildlife Day, India’s Gir forest roared with pride, celebrating the presence of 674 Asiatic lions—the last surviving population of this majestic species in the wild. To mark this occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on an adventure safari through the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Junagadh, Gujarat—his home state. Accompanied by state ministers and senior forest officials, he observed the vast deciduous landscape, which serves as the only remaining habitat for these big cats.
During his visit on March 3, 2025, PM Modi reviewed Project Lion, a Rs 2,927-crore conservation initiative designed to expand and protect the Asiatic lion population. With a multi-pronged approach combining habitat development, veterinary care, surveillance, and genetic diversification, this ambitious project aims to secure the future of these majestic big cats.
But what does Project Lion entail, and how does it aim to secure the future of these magnificent animals?
What is Project Lion?
First announced by PM Modi during his Independence Day speech on August 15, 2020, Project Lion is an extensive 10-year conservation plan led by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change. Approved on November 2, 2022, the initiative focuses on:
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Developing new habitats to prevent overpopulation and reduce disease risk.
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Strengthening veterinary care with advanced medical infrastructure.
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Enhancing surveillance using technology-driven monitoring tools.
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Minimizing human-wildlife conflicts through community-friendly measures.
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Expanding protected areas beyond Gir for long-term genetic sustainability.
High-Tech Conservation: Medical and Surveillance Initiatives
A cornerstone of Project Lion is the establishment of a state-of-the-art veterinary hospital in Sasan, Gir. This facility, designated as the National Wildlife Disease Diagnostic Centre, will play a critical role in monitoring and preventing life-threatening diseases like:
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Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) – a viral disease that severely impacted lions in 2018.
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Babesiosis – a parasitic disease that posed a significant threat in 2020.
With advanced medical infrastructure, this hospital will ensure timely diagnosis and treatment, significantly bolstering conservation efforts.
Beyond medical intervention, Project Lion integrates cutting-edge technology to enhance surveillance and protection in Gir:
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Drone monitoring for real-time tracking of lion movements.
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CCTV surveillance at forest entrances and exits to prevent poaching and unauthorized entry.
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33 rapid response units for quick intervention in distress situations.
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100 new tracker positions dedicated to rescuing and monitoring lions.
The origins of Project Lion date back to August 15, 2020, when PM Modi announced the initiative during his Independence Day speech, emphasizing the urgent need to protect and expand India’s Asiatic lion population. This vision took a formal shape on November 2, 2022, when the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change approved a 10-year conservation plan with a budget of Rs 2,927.71 crore.
Creating a ‘Second Home’ for Asiatic Lions in Barda Wildlife Sanctuary
With the lion population growing in Gir, Project Lion aims to develop Barda Dungar Wildlife Sanctuary—approximately 100 km west of Gir—as a second home for these big cats.
Why is a Secondary Habitat Necessary?
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Overcrowding in Gir: The 2020 lion census recorded 674 lions, marking a 29% increase from 2015.
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Vulnerability to Disease: A concentrated population is at higher risk of disease outbreaks.
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Resource Competition: Overpopulation can lead to food and territory conflicts.
Encouraging Signs from Barda
The Gujarat Forest Department has been working on alternative lion habitats for years. In a remarkable development, January 2023 witnessed the first sighting of a lion in Barda Wildlife Sanctuary since India’s Independence—a major breakthrough in habitat expansion.
The Wildlife Institute of India estimates that the Barda-Alech hills and coastal forests can sustain around 40 adult and sub-adult lions. At present, 17 lions inhabit the region, including six adults and 11 cubs.
To facilitate this expansion, Project Lion prioritizes:
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Habitat restoration through reforestation and water conservation.
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Increasing the prey base by introducing herbivores like nilgai and deer.
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Voluntary resettlement of human settlements to mitigate human-wildlife conflict.
A significant portion of the project’s budget will be dedicated to habitat management, ensuring a seamless transition for lions moving beyond Gir.
Minimizing Human-Wildlife Conflict
As lions venture beyond traditional forest boundaries, interactions with humans have increased. To address this challenge, Project Lion has introduced several measures:
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Installation of 11,000 machans (raised platforms) for farmers to guard their crops without direct confrontations with lions.
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Relocation of Maldhari settlements outside Gir’s protected areas, with financial incentives from the Gujarat government.
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Restoration of 1,000 sq km of exclusive lion habitat, reducing the encroachment of human activities into forest areas.
These initiatives aim to foster a sustainable coexistence model, ensuring both human safety and lion conservation.
Lions and lionesses in Gir! Tried my hand at some photography this morning. pic.twitter.com/TKBMKCGA7m— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 3, 2025
Expanding Lion Habitats Across Gujarat and Beyond
Project Lion extends beyond Gir and Barda, with plans to identify additional sites in Gujarat and beyond to enhance genetic diversity and long-term survival.
According to the Times of India, the project proposes the development of eight satellite habitats in Saurashtra:
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Umath Virdi (Bhavnagar)
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Gir, Girnar, and Mitiyala
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Jesor-Hipawadi and Babra Virdi
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Hingolgadh
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Coastal stretch from Rajula to Jafrabad up to Mahuva
These areas, already frequented by lions, will be further developed through:
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Habitat restoration
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Planting fruit-bearing trees to attract prey species
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Enhanced surveillance to protect expanding lion populations
Today, on #WorldWildlifeDay, let’s reiterate our commitment to protect and preserve the incredible biodiversity of our planet. Every species plays a vital role—let’s safeguard their future for generations to come!
We also take pride in India’s contributions towards preserving… pic.twitter.com/qtZdJlXskA— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 3, 2025
PM Modi’s High-Level Review and Future Roadmap
As part of the initiative, PM Modi chaired a meeting with the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) at Gir to discuss Project Lion and other conservation efforts such as:
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Project Tiger
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Project Cheetah
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Project Elephant
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Project Dolphin
The NBWL is India’s apex body for wildlife conservation, responsible for:
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Guiding conservation policies under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
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Approving projects impacting ecological zones
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Overseeing environmental clearances
The meeting included all 47 NBWL members, including experts in wildlife conservation, ecology, and environmental sciences, making it a significant step toward comprehensive wildlife protection.
A Roaring Future for Asiatic Lions
Project Lion is not just about conservation—it is about securing the legacy of India’s most iconic big cats. Through cutting-edge medical facilities, advanced surveillance, habitat expansion, and community engagement, the initiative sets the stage for a sustainable future for the Asiatic lion population.
With strong governmental backing, technological advancements, and community participation, Project Lion has the potential to ensure that India’s Gir forest continues to echo with the mighty roar of the Asiatic lion for generations to come.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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