Gujarat’s Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel announced that the state’s Asiatic lion population has risen from 284 in 1991 to approximately 891 presently. This increase is attributed to ongoing conservation efforts and proactive forest management practices. The Chief Minister made this statement while inaugurating the first pre-event of the International Big Cat Alliance Summit-2026 in Sasan Gir.
Patel emphasized the success of conservation endeavors in caring for, breeding, and protecting Asiatic lions in Gir. He noted that this growth in the lion population signifies the effective implementation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi.’ The geographical range of lions has also notably expanded over the past 25 years, now spanning across 11 districts in Gujarat, compared to the initial confinement to three districts.
Furthermore, the Chief Minister highlighted the natural migration of lions to the Barda region in Porbandar district, where government efforts have established the Barda Sanctuary as a secondary habitat for Asiatic lions, currently hosting around 24 lions. Patel commended the conservation initiatives initiated during Narendra Modi’s tenure as Chief Minister, which have catalyzed wildlife preservation efforts nationwide.
Underlining the significance of the ‘Project Lion’ initiative, a Rs 2,000 crore endeavor aimed at safeguarding and ensuring the long-term conservation of Asiatic lions, Patel mentioned the development of various facilities such as breeding centers, isolation centers, upgraded treatment facilities, radio collar systems, and drone surveillance infrastructure as part of the project. He emphasized that this project not only contributes to lion conservation but also fosters economic and social development in the Greater Gir region.
Moreover, Patel stressed Gujarat’s approach of intertwining ecology with local livelihoods and emotional attachment to conservation efforts. By strengthening the local economy and fostering an emotional connection to conservation, Gujarat is actively promoting environmental preservation. The International Big Cat Alliance Summit will feature pre-events in various cities focusing on the conservation of cheetahs, leopards, snow leopards, and tigers.
