Major Shift in India’s Environmental Vision Under Prime Minister’s Leadership
Dr. Dhananjay Giri
On the occasion of World Wildlife Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated his commitment to preserving the planet’s incredible biodiversity. He posted on X, stating, “On this World Wildlife Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to protecting and conserving the incredible biodiversity of our planet. Every species has its unique role. Let us safeguard this heritage for future generations. We take pride in India’s contribution to wildlife conservation.”
Prime Minister Modi’s deep interest in wildlife is well known. To mark the occasion, he enjoyed a jungle safari in Gujarat’s Gir Wildlife Sanctuary, where he observed Asiatic lions up close. During his visit, he was seen capturing images of the lions with a DSLR camera. A particularly touching moment was captured when a lioness was seen affectionately tending to her cub.
He also shared a video clip on X, highlighting India’s natural affinity for biodiversity. The clip, from 2023, commemorated the 50th anniversary of “Project Tiger” in Mysuru, Karnataka, where he emphasized India’s rising tiger population. He stated, “India does not believe in a conflict between ecology and economy but gives equal importance to coexistence.”
During the Modi administration, India has achieved historic success in tiger conservation. In 2010, the country had approximately 1,700 tigers, a number that exceeded 3,600 by 2022. In just 12 years, the tiger population has doubled. Today, nearly 75% of the world’s tigers reside in India, a testament to its global leadership in wildlife conservation.
The government has enforced strict bans on tiger poaching, secured their natural habitats, and ensured a balanced food chain. Additionally, measures have been taken to reduce human-tiger conflicts in rural areas.
Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Gir Sanctuary also underscores the rising population of lions in India. Lion conservation holds both cultural and ecological significance, as lions are an integral part of India’s national emblem. Asiatic lions are found only in Gujarat’s Gir forests, where conservation efforts have led to a rise in their numbers from 523 in 2015 to 674 in 2020.
Under “Project Lion,” the government has allocated ₹2,900 crore for lion conservation. Approximately 30,000 square kilometers across 53 talukas in nine districts of Gujarat serve as the habitat for these majestic animals. The project includes the establishment of a high-tech surveillance center and a state-of-the-art hospital in Gir.
Launched in April 2023, the International Big Cats Alliance is playing a crucial role in global conservation efforts for big cats, including lions. Historically, lions were found across Africa and Eurasia nearly 300,000 years ago, but today their population is limited to between 30,000 and 100,000.
Gir Wildlife Sanctuary is renowned as Asia’s only natural habitat for lions. Spanning 1,424 square kilometers, it comprises a 258-square-kilometer national park and a 1,153-square-kilometer wildlife sanctuary. It was designated as a wildlife sanctuary in 1969.
Prime Minister Modi’s prioritization of wildlife conservation signals a major transformation in India’s environmental policies. The increasing tiger and lion populations serve as proof that biodiversity conservation is achievable through collective efforts by the government and society. Initiatives like Project Tiger and Project Lion are positioning India as a global leader in wildlife preservation.
(The author is a scholar associated with RSS)
