WATCH | PM Modi Goes on Lion Safari in Gujarat on World Wildlife Day

Sasan: On the occasion of World Wildlife Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi went on a lion safari at the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat ’s Junagadh district on Monday morning, during his tour of the state. The Prime Minister shared several pictures on his social media account X, showcasing his experience at the sanctuary.

The Prime Minister stayed overnight at Sinh Sadan, a forest guesthouse managed by the state forest department, in Sasan after arriving from Somnath. There, he had visited the Lord Shiva temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, on Sunday evening.

Also read | 'PM, You Are Great': Trump Gifts PM Modi Signed Copy of 'Our Journey Together'– See Photos

Accompanied by several ministers and senior forest officials, Modi began his lion safari from Sinh Sadan.

In addition to the safari, the PM is also scheduled to chair the seventh meeting of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) at Sasan Gir, which serves as the headquarters of the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary. The NBWL consists of 47 members, including the Chief of Army Staff, state representatives, NGOs involved in wildlife conservation, and chief wildlife wardens.

Following the meeting, the Prime Minister will interact with female forest staff members in Sasan.

Also read | PM Modi’s Heart-Winning Gesture for Sharad Pawar Steals the Show at Marathi Sahitya Event

The central government has approved over Rs 2,900 crore for Project Lion, aimed at conserving the Asiatic lion, which can only be found in Gujarat. Currently, these lions inhabit nearly 30,000 square kilometers across 53 talukas in nine districts of the state.

As part of national wildlife conservation efforts, a National Referral Center for Wildlife is being established on more than 20.24 hectares in Junagadh district's New Pipalya. Additionally, a high-tech wildlife monitoring center and a state-of-the-art hospital have been set up in Sasan to enhance conservation initiatives.

On Sunday, Modi also visited the Vantara animal rescue, conservation, and rehabilitation center at the Reliance Jamnagar refinery complex. This center is dedicated to the welfare of captive elephants and wildlife, offering sanctuary, rehabilitation, and medical care for animals rescued from abuse and exploitation.