Union Environment Ministry Approves Fund for Project Lion

On 1st March 2025, the Union Environment Ministry approved Project Lion, a ₹2,927.71 crore initiative aimed at the long-term conservation and expansion of the Asiatic lion population in Gujarat.

Key Points

Population & Habitat: As per the 2020 estimation, 674 Asiatic lions inhabit 53 talukas across nine districts in Gujarat, spanning nearly 30,000 sq km.
Barda Sanctuary as a ‘Second Home’: The project focuses on developing Barda Wildlife Sanctuary, now home to 17 lions, as an additional habitat to ease pressure on Gir.
Railway Safety Measures: A Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) was developed with railway authorities to prevent lion accidents on railway tracks in the Greater Gir region.
Awareness & Community Involvement: Over 11,065 institutions and 18.90 lakh students participated in awareness programs on World Lion Day under Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel’s leadership.