Even as the number of Asiatic lions has increased in Gir forests, their only abode in Asia, the Gujarat government on Tuesday announced measures to step up conservation efforts for the king of the jungle.
Taking part in a virtual programme organized by the state’s forest department on the occasion of International Lion Day, Chief Minister Vijay Rupani said that gene pools will be set up at three places for the conservation of lions. The gene pools will be located at Rampara in Saurashtra, Shakkarbag in Junagadh and Satvirda.
Rupani also said that a state of the art hospital and disease diagnostic and research centre will be set up in Sasan Gir. Plans are also afoot to augment the facilities of radio collaring by using latest technologies.
The chief minister, however, did not elaborate on the initiatives that are to be taken. Appreciating the conservation efforts, Rupani said that the number of lions has gone up to 674 from 529 five years ago.
In his post on social media, Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted all those passionate about lion conservation. He said that it would make them happy that the last few years have seen a steady increase in India’s lion population.
Modi reminded that when he was the chief minister of Gujarat, he had the opportunity to work towards ensuring safe and secure habitats for the Gir lions. A number of initiatives were taken which involved local communities and global best practices to ensure habitats are safe and tourism also gets a boost.
