Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a major wildlife conservation meeting at Gir National Park, Gujarat, where he announced several new initiatives, including expanding the cheetah reintroduction program, starting a fresh survey for Asiatic lions, and launching conservation projects for endangered species like gharials and Great Indian Bustards.
Expanding Project Cheetah
India’s ambitious Project Cheetah, which began with the reintroduction of the species in Kuno National Park, will now be extended to Gandhisagar Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh and Banni Grasslands in Gujarat. This is part of the government’s plan to create more habitats for cheetahs and ensure their successful adaptation in India.
Asiatic Lion Conservation & Population Survey
To further protect Asiatic lions, which are found only in Gujarat’s Gir National Park, the government has approved a Rs 2,900 crore plan under Project Lion for the next 10 years. A fresh lion population survey will begin in May to track their numbers and habitat health. The government also aims to expand the range of lions beyond Gir to other parts of Saurashtra.
New Initiatives for Endangered Species
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Gharial Conservation: With declining gharial populations in Indian rivers, a new conservation project is being launched.
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Great Indian Bustard Protection: A national plan is being introduced to protect one of India’s most endangered birds.
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Tiger Protection Beyond Reserves: The government is creating a strategy to protect tigers outside designated tiger reserves.
Dolphin Population Report Released
The PM also released India’s first-ever river dolphin population report, which found that 6,327 river dolphins are present across the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Indus river systems. This survey provides valuable data for future conservation efforts.
Tackling Human-Wildlife Conflict
To reduce conflicts between animals and humans, the government will establish a Centre of Excellence at the Wildlife Institute of India in Coimbatore. This center will:
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Help states manage wildlife conflicts.
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Provide advanced technology for tracking and alerting about animal movements.
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Train field workers and local communities in conflict prevention.
Use of Technology for Conservation
PM Modi emphasized using Artificial Intelligence (AI), remote sensing, and geospatial mapping to tackle challenges like forest fires and human-wildlife conflicts. The government will also collect traditional knowledge from Indian communities to integrate into conservation strategies.
Strengthening Global Wildlife Efforts
The meeting also discussed India’s leadership in big cat conservation through the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), which focuses on protecting species like lions, tigers, and leopards worldwide.
Community Involvement in Conservation
PM Modi stressed that wildlife conservation should not be left to the government alone. He highlighted the role of local communities, such as the Maldharis of Gujarat, in lion conservation and encouraged more participation in protecting India’s rich biodiversity.
This meeting marks a major step in strengthening India’s wildlife conservation programs, ensuring the survival of endangered species, and promoting coexistence between humans and wildlife.
