Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the 7th National Board for Wildlife meeting at Gir National Park, unveiling a series of major conservation initiatives aimed at strengthening India’s wildlife protection framework. The meeting focused on flagship programs such as Project Tiger, Project Elephant, and Project Snow Leopard, alongside new measures for dolphins, Asiatic lions, and other endangered species.
During the event, the Prime Minister released India’s first-ever riverine dolphin estimation report, confirming a total of 6,327 dolphins across 28 rivers in eight states. The extensive survey covered over 8,500 kilometers, with Uttar Pradesh recording the highest numbers, followed by Bihar, West Bengal, and Assam. Modi emphasized the importance of dolphin conservation and called for increased local involvement, including school exposure visits to dolphin habitats.
Asiatic lion conservation took center stage with the announcement of the 16th lion estimation cycle set for 2025. The Prime Minister highlighted the natural expansion of the species into Barda Wildlife Sanctuary and pledged enhanced conservation measures, including habitat improvements and eco-tourism development. He underlined the need for improved connectivity to wildlife tourism destinations to promote awareness and conservation efforts.
Advancing wildlife health and conflict mitigation, Modi laid the foundation stone for the National Referral Centre for Wildlife in Junagadh. The center will serve as a hub for disease management and veterinary research. Additionally, a new Centre of Excellence for human-wildlife conflict mitigation will be established at the Wildlife Institute of India’s SACON campus in Coimbatore. Rapid Response Teams will be equipped with advanced tracking and surveillance technology to address rising cases of conflict.
The use of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and geospatial mapping was highlighted as a key component of future conservation efforts. Modi directed the Wildlife Institute of India and the Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics to collaborate on human-wildlife conflict solutions, as well as forest fire prediction, detection, and prevention.
Expanding India’s ambitious cheetah reintroduction project, the Prime Minister announced the addition of Gandhisagar Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh and Banni Grasslands in Gujarat to the program. Conservation efforts for tigers were also extended beyond designated reserves, ensuring protection of the species in human-dominated landscapes while addressing conflict management.
Recognizing the declining population of gharials, a dedicated conservation project was launched to protect the species. Modi also announced the National Great Indian Bustard Conservation Action Plan to scale up efforts for the critically endangered bird species.
Traditional knowledge in wildlife conservation was emphasized, with a directive for the Ministry of Environment to document indigenous forest and wildlife management practices. Research on medicinal plants for wildlife health will also be promoted, with a focus on global recognition for India’s plant-based treatment systems.
In a final push to enhance field operations, Modi flagged off motorcycles for frontline forest staff to improve mobility in remote areas. He interacted with eco-guides and trackers, acknowledging their role in conservation and reaffirming the government’s commitment to a sustainable and inclusive approach to wildlife protection.
