NewKerala.com

Key Points

Union Minister Bhupender Yadav and Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel will lead World Lion Day celebrations at Barda Wildlife Sanctuary. The Asiatic lion population in Gujarat has grown significantly, with Barda emerging as a new habitat. Conservation efforts under Project Lion have been pivotal in this success. The event will also launch wildlife initiatives worth Rs 180 crore.

Key Points: Bhupender Yadav and Bhupendra Patel Lead World Lion Day at Barda Sanctuary

  • Gujarat's Asiatic lion population surged 32% since 2020
  • Barda Sanctuary now hosts 17 lions including cubs
  • Project Lion drives conservation success
  • Rs 180 crore allocated for wildlife initiatives
2 min read

Union Minister Bhupender Yadav, Gujarat CM Patel to grace World Lion Day celebrations at Barda Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat on Aug 10

Union Minister Bhupender Yadav and Gujarat CM Patel to celebrate World Lion Day at Barda Wildlife Sanctuary, highlighting Asiatic lion conservation efforts.

"Barda is emerging as a second home for Asiatic Lions. – Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change"

Gandhinagar, August 9

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, in collaboration with the Forest and Environment Department, Government of Gujarat, will celebrate World Lion Day, 2025, on August 10, at Barda Wildlife Sanctuary in Devbhumi Dwarka district of Gujarat.

According to an official statement from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the celebration will be graced by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav, along with Gujarat Forest Minister Mulubhai Bera, Members of Parliament, State legislators, and other public representatives.

World Lion Day, celebrated annually on August 10, aims to raise awareness about the conservation and protection of lions worldwide. In Gujarat, the Asiatic Lion is a unique ecological and cultural treasure, found only in the Saurashtra region. The Ministry and the state's consistent efforts under Project Lion and the leadership of the Gujarat government have made significant strides in ensuring the survival and growth of this iconic species.

The grand celebrations of 'World Lion Day' will be organised on August 10 across 11 districts of Saurashtra, Gujarat, to promote awareness about the conservation and protection of the 'King of the Jungle'--the Asiatic Lion. These majestic animals roam freely in their natural habitat across approximately 35,000 sq. km in 11 districts of Saurashtra. The lion population in Gujarat has increased by 32 per cent since 2020, rising from 674 in 2020 to 891 as per the May 2025 lion population estimation.The Barda Wildlife Sanctuary spans 192.31 sq. km across Porbandar and Devbhumi Dwarka districts. Barda is emerging as a second home for Asiatic Lions. After the natural migration of lions to the area in 2023, the lion population has grown to 17, including six adults and 11 cubs.

The sanctuary is a significant biodiversity hotspot and a key area for the conservation of Asiatic Lions. Being in the vicinity of the Dwarka- Porbandar-Somnath tourist circuit, the Barda area holds significant tourism potential. A safari park covering approximately 248 Hectares is planned to be initiated, for which the State Government has allocated land. Wildlife conservation works amounting to about Rs 180.00 crore will also be launched at the event.The event will also be joined through satellite communication by the lakhs of students from the schools and colleges across the 11 districts of the Greater Gir Lion Landscape. During 2024, 18.63 lakh students participated in the event on World Lion Day.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While I appreciate the conservation efforts, I hope they're also addressing human-animal conflict issues. Farmers in Saurashtra often face lion attacks on livestock. Compensation schemes should be strengthened.
A
Arjun K
The safari park plan sounds exciting! Will boost tourism and create local jobs. Gujarat is showing how development and conservation can go hand in hand. Kudos to forest department!
S
Sarah B
As a wildlife photographer, I've documented lions in Gir. Thrilled to hear about Barda's growing population! Hope they maintain strict regulations for tourist activities to minimize disturbance.
K
Kavya N
The student participation numbers are impressive! Educating young minds about conservation is the best long-term strategy. My kids participated last year and still talk about what they learned 🦁
V
Vikram M
₹180 crore allocation is substantial. Hope the funds are utilized properly with transparency. We've seen corruption in wildlife projects before. Regular audits should be conducted.
D
David E
India's success with Asiatic lions is a global conservation model. Other countries should learn from Gujarat's approach. The natural migration to Barda shows the ecosystem is healing itself.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50