Project Lion: Aligning Conservation Objectives
In a significant move towards wildlife preservation, the Gujarat Government has disclosed that it has allocated more than Rs 277 crore for lion conservation efforts in the Gir and Greater Gir areas over the past two years. The announcement was made by Minister of State for Forest and Environment, Mukesh Patel, during the ongoing budget session of the legislative assembly.
The lion conservation initiatives encompass a spectrum of measures aimed at safeguarding the Asiatic lions, including the establishment of a National Wildlife Disease Diagnostic and Referral Centre in Junagadh. This center, sanctioned under ‘Project Lion’ launched in 2020, signifies a pivotal step in the conservation efforts.
Responding to queries raised by Congress MLAs during the Question Hour, Minister Mukesh Patel detailed the allocation, stating that a substantial amount totaling Rs 277.93 crore has been dedicated to lion conservation between 2022 and 2023. Despite these efforts, the minister highlighted the loss of 238 lions, including cubs, during this period, attributing 209 deaths to natural causes while 29 were categorized as unnatural, such as road accidents and falls into open wells.
In order to enhance emergency response capabilities, the government has deployed veterinarians and equipped forest areas with four ambulances to facilitate timely treatment for injured or ailing lions. Additionally, preventive measures are being implemented to mitigate unnatural deaths, including the construction of speed-breakers on roads traversing sanctuary areas, nocturnal patrolling in forests, and the installation of parapet walls around open wells near forested regions.
Furthermore, efforts are underway to address wildlife health concerns with the upcoming establishment of a ‘National Wildlife Disease Diagnostic and Referral Centre’ in Junagadh. Situated near Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, this facility, sprawling over 50 acres, will serve as a dedicated wildlife hospital and research center, offering critical care for injured animals and conducting studies on wildlife diseases.
The minister emphasized that the proposed center aligns with the objectives of ‘Project Lion’ and underscores the state government’s commitment to conservation efforts. With the Asiatic lion population estimated at 674 according to the latest census conducted in June 2020, these concerted endeavors aim to ensure the long-term survival and well-being of this majestic species in its natural habitat.