Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled nine key initiatives to strengthen conservation efforts in India on World Wildlife Day. He announced the foundation of the National Referral Centre for Wildlife in Junagadh, a new project for Gharial conservation, and a National Great Indian Bustard Conservation Action Plan. Additionally, he revealed plans for the 16th Asiatic Lion Population Estimation in 2025 and the expansion of the Cheetah reintroduction program to Gandhisagar Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh and Banni Grasslands in Gujarat. Another major step includes the establishment of a Centre of Excellence for addressing human-wildlife conflict.

First River Dolphin Population Estimation

For the first time, India conducted a nationwide riverine dolphin estimation. According to the report released by PM Modi, the survey counted 6,327 dolphins across 28 rivers in eight states. Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest number, followed by Bihar, West Bengal, and Assam. The study involved extensive surveying, covering 8,500 km with 3,150 man-days dedicated to fieldwork.

National Board for Wildlife Meeting

PM Modi chaired the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) meeting in Gir, Gujarat. The Board reviewed conservation initiatives, the creation of new protected areas, and efforts to safeguard dolphins and Asiatic lions. Modi emphasized involving local communities in conservation and encouraged school visits to dolphin habitats. He also stressed the importance of awareness programs to promote wildlife protection.

Strengthening Asiatic Lion Conservation

The Prime Minister announced that the upcoming 16th Asiatic Lion Population Estimation will take place in 2025. The last survey, conducted in 2020, showed significant progress in lion conservation. With the natural expansion of lions into Barda Wildlife Sanctuary, the government will enhance conservation efforts by increasing prey availability and improving the habitat. Modi also highlighted the need for better connectivity and infrastructure to promote wildlife tourism.

Addressing Human-Wildlife Conflict

To tackle human-wildlife conflicts, Modi launched a Centre of Excellence at the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) in collaboration with SACON (Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History) in Coimbatore. The Centre will assist states and Union Territories in equipping Rapid Response Teams with advanced tracking gadgets, surveillance systems, and intrusion detection tools. It will also provide training for field officers and communities to implement conflict mitigation measures effectively.

Use of Technology in Conservation

PM Modi advocated using artificial intelligence, machine learning, and geospatial mapping to address conservation challenges. He suggested collaboration between the Wildlife Institute of India and the Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N) to tackle human-wildlife conflicts. He also recommended a partnership between the Forest Survey of India and BISAG-N to enhance forest fire detection, prediction, and prevention.

Expansion of Cheetah Reintroduction

Modi announced that the government would expand the cheetah reintroduction program beyond Kuno National Park. The project will now include Gandhisagar Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh and Banni Grasslands in Gujarat. He also introduced a new initiative focusing on the conservation of tigers outside protected reserves to ensure coexistence with local communities and minimize human-animal conflict.

New Projects for Gharial and Great Indian Bustard

Recognizing the declining population of gharials, the Prime Minister launched a dedicated conservation project for the species. Additionally, he announced a National Great Indian Bustard Conservation Action Plan to protect and revive the critically endangered bird species.

Traditional Knowledge and Future Roadmap

PM Modi urged the Environment Ministry and NBWL to document traditional knowledge and manuscripts related to forest and wildlife conservation. He outlined a long-term strategy for wildlife protection and called for the formation of task forces to focus on the conservation of sloth bears, gharials, and the Great Indian Bustard.

Encouraging Community Participation

PM Modi commended the efforts of local communities in wildlife conservation. He noted that India has seen a six-fold increase in the number of community reserves over the past decade, highlighting the growing role of grassroots participation in conservation efforts. With these initiatives, India continues to strengthen its wildlife conservation efforts, ensuring the protection of its rich biodiversity for future generations.