PM Modi announces 16th Asiatic Lion Population Estimation at NWBL meeting 

Gir,Gujarat: At Sasan Gir, the headquarters of the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the seventh meeting of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL). The board comprises 47 members, including the Chief of Army Staff, state representatives, NGO members, chief wildlife wardens, and state secretaries.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for the National Referral Center for Wildlife in Junagadh. He also officially announced the 16th Asiatic Lion Population Estimation, which will be conducted in May 2025.

Additionally, PM Modi inaugurated a Centre of Excellence for Human-Wildlife Conflict Management at SACON, Coimbatore.

Prior to the meeting, PM Modi also planted a tree in the Gir Sanctuary Complex.

According to a government release, the Union government has sanctioned over ₹2,900 crore for Project Lion, aimed at conserving the Asiatic lions, whose only natural habitat is Gujarat. Currently, these lions are spread across nearly 30,000 square kilometers in 53 talukas across nine districts.

As part of a national initiative, a National Referral Center for Wildlife is being developed over 20.24 hectares in New Pipalya, Junagadh district. Additionally, a high-tech wildlife monitoring center and a modern hospital have been established in Sasan to enhance conservation efforts.

Earlier this morning, PM Modi embarked on a jungle safari in Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary on the last day of his three-day tour to his home state of Gujarat.