India celebrates World Lion Day with grand event in Gujarat's Gir, PM Modi lauds conservation efforts

New Delhi [India], August 10 (ANI): As the nation comes together to celebrate World Lion Day, the Gujarat Forest Department placed special emphasis on honouring the King of the Jungle with a particular focus on the Gir Forest in Junagadh, Gujarat, which is home to the Asiatic lion.
World Lion Day was celebrated with grandeur at the Communication Centre in Sasangir, Junagadh, under Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Saturday.

The event, held in the Saurashtra region saw the special presence of Gujarat Minister of Forests and Environment Mulubhai Bera.
World Lion Day was established to bring global attention to the declining number of lions and the urgent need for their conservation. While lions captivate us with their strength and magnificence, their population has been dwindling due to threats such as habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and poaching.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday praised the efforts of all those involved in the conservation and protection work of lions.
The Prime Minister also took to his X handle on the occasion of World Lion Day on August 10 to share a few stunning images of the big cats.
Posting a tweet thread on X, PM Modi said, "On World Lion Day, I compliment all those working on Lion conservation and reiterate our commitment to protecting these majestic big cats. India, as we all know, is home to a large Lion population in Gir, Gujarat. Over the years, their numbers have increased significantly, which is great news."
"In February this year, the Union Cabinet approved the setting up of the International Big Cat Alliance, to bring together all the nations of the world where big cats reside. It seeks to build a holistic approach to boost sustainable development and also support community efforts in this regard. This endeavour is receiving an encouraging response globally."
"I also invite all wildlife lovers to Gir to discover the majestic Asiatic Lion. It will also give everyone the opportunity to witness the efforts to protect the Lion and at the same time experience the hospitality of the people of Gujarat."
Gujarat Chief Minister Patel marked World Lion Day with a special event in Junagad, unveiling an exhibition of photographs that showcase Gir Forest's diverse biodiversity, natural beauty, and cultural heritage.
The exhibition, aimed at raising awareness about the unique ecosystem of Gir Forest, features images of the Asiatic lions and other wildlife that inhabit the region.
"On the occasion of World Lion Day, an exhibition of photographs highlighting Gir's biodiversity, natural beauty, and cultural heritage was unveiled," Patel shared on X.
Notably, there have been various efforts both globally and nationally to protect the lions.
Announced on August 15, 2020, 'Project Lion' is a pivotal initiative aimed at securing the future of Asiatic lions through comprehensive, long-term conservation efforts.

Additionally, the International Big Cats Alliance (IBCA) launched on April 2023, reinforces the global commitment to conserving big cats, including lions.
This alliance aims to foster international cooperation among 97 range countries, facilitating the sharing of knowledge and resources to protect these majestic animals.
The advance technologies used in the preservation of lion includes GPS-Based Tracking, Automated Sensor Grid, Night vision capabilities and GIS-based real-time monitoring.
India is home to the Asiatic lion, found only in the Gir Forest of Gujarat. Conservation efforts in this region have seen the lion population grow from around 523 in 2015 to about 674 in 2020, a testament to the success of dedicated protection measures.
In India, the conservation of lions holds significant cultural and ecological importance as the lion is an integral part of India's national emblem, symbolizing strength and power.World Lion Day, initiated by Big Cat Rescue, is an occasion to celebrate the majestic lions that captivate our hearts with their strength and magnificence. The day serves as a reminder of the majestic presence of lions and the urgent need to protect them. (ANI)