The Prime Minister further recalled his days in Gujarat when he was serving as Chief Minister as he had an opportunity to work towards ensuring safe and secure habitats for the Gir Lions.
World Lion Day is celebrated on August 10 of every year to raise awareness about lions and to mobilise support for their protection and conservation. According to the World Wide Fund for animals (WWF), even though a lion is often referred to as the “king of the jungle,” it actually only lives in grasslands and plains
Every year August 10 is celebrated as World Lion Day with an aim to enhance awareness and gathering support for depopulation and protection. PM Modi said India`s lion population has seen a steady increase in the last few years and the country is `proud to be home to the Asiatic Lion`.
The Prime Minister further recalled his days in Gujarat when he was serving as Chief Minister as he had an opportunity to work towards ensuring safe and secure habitats for the Gir Lions.
When I was serving as Gujarat CM, I had the opportunity to work towards ensuring safe and secure habitats for the Gir Lions. A number of initiatives were taken which involved local communities and global best practices to ensure habitats are safe and tourism also gets a boost. pic.twitter.com/0VEGmh7Ygj
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 10, 2021
While conveying his greetings on the World Lion Day, PM Modi revealed that India has seen a growth in India’s lion population in last few years.
Lions are listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. India is home to the Asian lion with four Royal Bengal tigers, the Indian leopard, the clouded leopard, and the snow leopard.
According to a census conducted by the Gujarat government last June, there has been a rise of magnificent big cats. India recorded a record 29 per cent increase in lion populations from 523 in 2015 to 674 in 2020. The report also states that its distribution has expanded from 22,000 square kilometers in 2015 to 30,000 square kilometers in 2020.
The lion is majestic and courageous. India is proud to be home to the Asiatic Lion. On World Lion Day, I convey my greetings to all those passionate about lion conservation. It would make you happy that the last few years have seen a steady increase in Indias lion population. pic.twitter.com/GaCEXnp7hG
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 10, 2021
In the last 100 years, lions have disappeared from more than 80 per cent of its historical range. The animal currently exists in more than 25 African countries and one Asian country. According to a recent survey, that number has dropped from about 30,000 to about 20,000. Their conservation also helps protect natural forest areas and habitats, which in turn helps manage biodiversity.
The Government of India has taken several initiatives to protect the King of the Jungle. However, their population growth and depletion of forest coverage and natural habitats have brought them closer to humans as they have begun adventures far away from protected areas in search of prey and territory. According to environmentalists, if these majestic predators are unprotected, the interrelated ecosystems of various other species and regions will be disrupted.
Gujarat has scripted an exceptional success story in conservation of Asiatic lions. Steady increase in the numbers of this royal animal & their coexistence with humans bears testimony to relentless efforts of all involved in conservation of Gujarats pride. #WorldLionDay pic.twitter.com/zmU8RXp3Qf
— Dr Rajiv Kumar Gupta (@drrajivguptaias) August 10, 2021
Dr. Gupta is an Indian Administrative Service Officer of 1986 Batch. With vast national and the international professional experience he has held various senior positions like Collector & District Magistrate, Executive Director of Sardar Sarovar Nigam, Managing Director Tourism, Secretary (Water Resources), Commissioner (Higher & Technical) Education etc. He has also
been Advisor in GAP Project, Prime Ministry, Turkey.
Your support to NYOOOZ will help us to continue create and publish news for and from smaller cities, which also need equal voice as much as citizens living in bigger cities have through mainstream media organizations.