PM Modi chaired the seventh meeting of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) at Sasan, Junagadh, Gujarat, where he announced the 16th Asiatic Lion Population Estimation, scheduled for May 2025.
The PM also laid the foundation stone for a National Referral Centre for Wildlife, which will be developed over 20.24 hectares of land at New Pipalya, Junagadh. This center will serve as a crucial facility for wildlife health monitoring, disease management, and research.
The government further announced the establishment of a Centre of Excellence for Human-Wildlife Conflict Management at SACON, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. Additionally, PM Modi unveiled a book on river dolphins, emphasizing the importance of conserving aquatic biodiversity and protecting endangered freshwater species.
The National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) is a statutory advisory body consisting of 47 members, including PM Modi as the ex-officio chairperson. It also includes the Chief of Army Staff as a member.
The central government has approved over ₹2,900 crore under Project Lion, aimed at ensuring the long-term conservation of Asiatic lions, which are exclusively found in Gujarat. The Greater Gir region remains their primary habitat, supported by multiple conservation projects.