Gujarat Launches Rs 180 Crore Lion Conservation Projects at Barda Sanctuary

Gandhinagar | Gujarat —- On the ‘World Lion Day’ celebration, the Gujarat government has announced Rs 180 crore worth of development projects at the Barda Wildlife sanctuary, which is naturally re-inhabited by lions after 143 years,  in Devbhumi Dwarka district. 

At Barda Sanctuary, the Chief Minister announced a new safari park, an interpretation center, and tourist facilities over an area of 248 hectares, to be developed at a cost of Rs. 75 crore. In addition, breeding centers for herbivore conservation programs will be built at a cost of Rs. 10.96 crore, 137 eco-development works will be carried out in forest settlement villages and eco-sensitive zones at a cost of Rs. 7.57 crore, and community development works in 720 villages under the JICA project will be undertaken at a cost of Rs. 35.62 crore. 

Other works include a wildlife rescue center and quick response system at a cost of Rs. 7 crore, Swaichhik Sthalantaran Yojana (voluntary relocation scheme) for pastoralists in the Barda area at a cost of Rs. 21 crore, 20 residential units and office buildings for frontline staff at a cost of Rs. 9.94 crore, caracal conservation in Chadva Rakhal at a cost of Rs. 5 crore, insurance and health cover for trackers in the Gir area under CSR at a cost of Rs. 65 lakh, and the provision of 3 rescue vehicles, 200 bikes, and 44 utility vehicles for patrolling and monitoring at a cost of Rs. 6.98 crore. The booking portal for 24 eco-tourism sites was also launched.

On the occasion, wishing lions and nature lovers worldwide, the Chief Minister recalled Lord Krishna’s Gita message to Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra: ‘Among animals, I am the lion.’ Expressing joy that after a long gap of 143 years, lions have naturally started re-inhabiting Barda hills, he added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced all necessary support facilities for lion conservation in Barda. 

Due to PM’s vision and the proactive practices of the Forest Department, the successful conservation story of lions in Gir has gained global recognition. To ensure that the glory of our ‘Vanraj’ (Lion King) remains intact and continues to grow in the future, the PM has launched ‘Project Lion’, covering lion habitat and population management, wildlife health, human-animal conflict, cooperation of local people, tourism development, scientific research and training, eco-development, and biodiversity conservation. He said that under the PM’s guidance, wildlife conservation has been prioritised, raising the lion population from 674 to 891, a source of pride for all.

He further stated that recently, a Project Lion document titled ‘Lion @2047: Vision for Amrit Kaal’ has been released. This Project Lion @2047 will play a significant role in effectively managing the growing lion population, securing and restoring lion habitats, generating employment, and increasing community participation. The government is working for the holistic development of the area alongside the development of wildlife tourism.

The Chief Minister added that in the Barda sanctuary area, a new safari park and tourist facilities will soon be undertaken at a cost of Rs. 75 crore. For the protection of wildlife in forest areas, 247 new vehicles are being added to the Forest Department for patrolling, monitoring, and animal rescue operations. He said an online portal now enables booking of the state’s 24 eco-tourism sites, which will boost local industries and handicrafts. Citing the Prime Minister’s ‘Vocal for Local’ call, he urged strengthening the rural economy by buying indigenous goods. Referring to Viksit Bharat @2047, he said that in this Amrit Kaal, under the Prime Minister’s leadership, India will swiftly become the world’s third-largest economy.

Union Minister for Forest and Environment Bhupender Yadav conveyed best wishes for the inauguration of new habitats and innovative projects of the Forest and Environment Department. 

“It is a matter of pride that Asiatic lions are found only in the Gir region of Gujarat. Under the guidance of the PM for nature conservation and under the leadership of CM, the state government’s dedicated efforts have resulted in a 17% increase in the number of lions. Amid global climate challenges, the PM has given the world a new direction with his action plan for renewable energy and climate change. He noted the unique bond between Gir’s pastoralists and lions as a model of harmony, adding that India’s eco-centrism inspires the world. He said that in the National Wildlife Board meeting held last year in Sasan, the PM resolved to boost Gujarat’s lion population and develop Barda Sanctuary as a new habitat has been fulfilled under CM Bhupendra Patel’s leadership” said Yadav.

He added that with the re-habitation of lions in Barda Wildlife Sanctuary after many decades, new energy is flowing into Barda’s biodiversity, which will boost eco-tourism. 

After 143 years, lions are re-inhabiting Barda Wildlife Sanctuary, located near Timbdi in Bhanvad taluka of Devbhumi Dwarka district. Barda is home to more than 400 medicinal plants, the 6th-century Navlakha Temple, various religious places, and natural waterfalls. As a result, lions have accepted Barda Sanctuary as their second home.