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World Lion Day 2023 celebrated in Gandhinagar in the presence of Gujarat CM

CM Shri Bhupendra Patel: The state government has given priority to lion conservation through effective implementation of Lion Conservation and Protection Schemes and Projects

Hon’ble CM: A new Safari Park in Una taluka has been approved in the budget

The population of lions in the state has increased from 411 to 674

Lion’s range area extends to 30,000 sq.km including Chotila, Sayla, Amreli, Bhavnagar besides Gir

8 lakh tourists visited Gir last year

Gandhinagar, August 10: Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel while addressing during World Lion Day-2023 in Gandhinagar stated, “The state government has taken effective measures by prioritizing the conservation and protection of lions through various schemes and projects.”

CM Shri Bhupendra Patel gave detailed information about the steps taken by the state government for lion conservation which saw participation from more than 7000 schools from 74 talukas through BISAG (Bhaskaracharya Institute of Space Applications and Geo-informatics) in addition to wildlife enthusiasts and voluntary organizations.

As part of this celebration, the CM launched the Lion Anthem film in the presence of Forest Minister Shri Mulu Bera and Minister of State for Forest and Environment Shri Mukesh Patel.

This film has been produced by Ekta Janmay Chokshi and directed by Rohan Trivedi. The music has been composed by Nishit Mehta, sung by Brijraj Gadhvi while Parth Tarpara is the lyricist.

The CM launched the ‘Sinh Suchna’ web app which will provide exact information regarding the location and movement of the lions in real-time. He also released two books, ‘The King of the Jungle – Asiatic Lion of Gir’ by Dr. Sakkira Begum and ‘Hu Gir no Savaj’ by Shri Arvind Goswami.

While mentioning that the Hon’ble Prime Minister has a special affection for the Gir lion, CM Shri Bhupendra Patel said that Project Lion has been launched with the vision of Lion at 2047- Vision for Amrit Kaal. He added that the Hon’ble PM has allocated a budget of ₹2,900 crore for this project.

Shri Bhupendra Patel informed, “There are plans to develop basic infrastructure including a Breeding Centre for lions, Isolation Centre, Radio collar, use of drones, and health centre for lions.”

The CM said that the awareness about lion breeding has grown with the support of the Forest Department and public participation. The lion population has steadily increased from 411 (2010) to 674 (2020).

Moreover, the lion range area to 30,000 sq.km. including Chotila, Sayla, Amreli, Bhavnagar besides Gir.

The CM also emphasized that 8 lakh tourists visited Gir last year.

A provision has been made in the State Budget to reduce the burden of tourists visiting Sasan Gir by creating a new Safari Park at Naliya Mandvi in Una Taluka which lies to the east of Gir.

CM Shri Bhupendra Patel urged people to support the conservation of Asiatic Lions by committing to this cause.

Additional Chief Secretary to the CM Shri Pankaj Joshi, Principal Secretary of Forest and Environment Shri Sanjeev Kumar, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest Shri Chaturvedi, Principal Chief Conservator (Wildlife) Shri Shrivastav, senior officials of the forest department, and invitees joined the CM at the celebration in Gandhinagar.

Source: Information Department, Gujarat