- Gujarat celebrates World Lion Day 2025 with Mega Wildlife Conservation Drive at Barda Wildlife Sanctuary
- Union Minister Bhupender Yadav lauds remarkable rise in India’s lion population to 891
- CM Bhupendra Patel reaffirms Gujarat’s Pride as the global home and leader in Asiatic Lion Conservation
- ₹180 Crore Wildlife Conservation Initiative launched to boost Lion Conservation and Ecotourism
- The Prime Minister announced Project Lion on 74th Independence Day i.e. 15th August 2020 for conservation and protection of the ‘King of the Jungle’ – the Asiatic Lions
NE ENVIRONMENT BUREAU
BARDA, AUG 11
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in collaboration with the Forest and Environment Department, Government of Gujarat celebrated the World Lion Day – 2025 at Barda Wildlife Sanctuary, Devbhumi Dwarka district, Gujarat on Sunday.
Addressing the gathering, Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change 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 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 Narendra Modi, who, first as Chief Minister of Gujarat and later as Prime Minister, made Project Lion a priority area of action.
Union Minister 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.
Yadav also said, “It is a matter of immense national pride that if the Asiatic lion exists anywhere in the world today, it is in Gir, Gujarat. Our relentless conservation efforts have doubled their population in the past decade, giving hope to global wildlife protection. Let today’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 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 Narendra Modi, the lion population in Gujarat has increased from 674 to 891 over recent years through scientific conservation measures and sustained community participation.
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.
Commenting on this, Parimal Nathwani, MP, Rajya Sabha, said: “Elated to join the celebration of World Lion Day 2025, graced by Bhupendrabhai Patel, Chief Minister of Gujarat; Bhupender Yadav, Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change; Mulubhai Bera, Minister of Tourism, Cultural Activities, Forest & Environment and Climate Change and other dignitaries. A proud tribute to India’s rich wildlife heritage. Barda Wildlife Sanctuary is another haven for lion enthusiasts, complementing Sasan Gir’s grandeur, and is shaping up to be just as spectacular.”
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 Chage, with 20.24 hectares of land allocated by the state government at New Pipliya in Junagadh District for this purpose. The project is currently under progress.
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.
