Mega Celebration of ‘World Lion Day’ at Sasan- Gir Under the Chairmanship of CM Patel.

Gandhinagar : Under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel, a grand celebration of ‘World Lion Day’ was held at the Communication Center in Sasan-Gir. In this celebration, which took place in Saurashtra, the land of saints, heroes, and wildlife. The event was also graced by Forest and Environment Minister Shri Mulu Bera.

The Chief Minister has expressed a commitment to development while preserving heritage, in alignment with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s resolve to make India Viksit Bharat by 2047.

He stated that it is our collective responsibility to protect animals and nature. The true celebration of Lion Day is in the efforts to ensure that Gujarat’s pride, the Asiatic lion, naturally thrives and evolves. The Chief Minister emphasised that the annual celebration of ‘World Lion Day’ should not merely be an event but should foster compassion towards all living beings and inspire the protection of wildlife.

The Chief Minister further noted that our daily lives should embody the spirit of benevolence and ‘ Jivo Ane Jivado’ (‘live and let live’) for every creature.

Recalling an instance that reflects Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s compassion and empathy towards all living beings, he mentioned that during the Tauktae cyclone, when details of the devastation in Saurashtra were being gathered, Prime Minister had also guided and advised taking sensitive actions to protect and care for the animals and birds in the forests, ensuring their well-being alongside human lives.

He added that our goal should be to ensure animals live peacefully and freely in their natural habitat. The local Maldhari community and people living around Gir have long been safeguarding and conserving the Asiatic lions, which has led to the growing lion population each year.

Discussing the ‘Tiranga Campaign’ celebrated nationwide, the Chief Minister highlighted that the Prime Minister initiated the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign to instil pride and honor in the nation. The Prime Minister has also advocated for nature conservation through campaigns like ‘Ek Ped Ek Naam,’ emphasising preserving nature as a tribute to our heritage.

The Chief Minister underscored the importance of nature conservation, noting that global warming issues arise due to the diminishing tree cover on Earth. Addressing these problems requires dedicated environmental conservation efforts.

He encouraged students, stating that events like ‘World Lion Day’ offer valuable lessons on nature conservation, marking a significant step toward protecting our environment.
Following the Mantra Sauno Sath, Sauno Vikas, Sauno Vishwas, and Sauno Prayas, the Chief Minister also made a heartfelt appeal to implement measures for environmental protection in our daily lives by reducing the use of plastic. 

On this occasion, Member of Parliament Shri Rajesh Chudasama received a favourable response to his request for road construction between Talala and Mendarda, with permission granted to undertake the roadwork.

Forest and Environment Minister Shri Mulu Bera, extending his best wishes for ‘World Lion Day,’ stated that Asiatic lions are a symbol of pride for both India and Gujarat. Gir has become a major tourist destination, attracting nature lovers with its unparalleled beauty. The flowing rivers and hills of Gir sets a beautiful example of natural formation.

He also mentioned that Gir has become a cultural and religious centre in Kathiawad, Gujarat. With collaborative efforts from the forest department and local people, the Asiatic lion population has steadily increased.

In the entire world, Asiatic lions naturally roam the Saurashtra region. The Gujarat government and forest department, along with Maldhari community, and local citizens, have made significant contributions to this.  Such efforts are only possible when public participation and awareness are achieved. While we take pride in the fact that Asiatic lions inhabit only the Saurashtra region of Gujarat, we also bear the responsibility for their protection and preservation. This has been made possible due to public awareness, knowledge, and cooperation.

On the occasion of ‘World Lion Day,’ the Forest Department has spread awareness messages to 75 lakhs people via text messages and 3 lakhs people via email. Additionally, in the 11 districts of the state where lions reside, school students are raising awareness about lion conservation through rallies, rangoli competitions, and drawing contests,the Minister provided these details.

Providing the lion population figures, he mentioned that according to the 2020 census, there were 674 lions recorded in Gir. The government is undertaking extensive efforts for lion conservation, including activities such as habitat management, food supply, conservation, rehabilitation, research, and organizing natural camps. Efforts through activities like Eco-clubs are being made to ensure natural conservation and enhancement of lions with the support of local people and nature enthusiasts.

In his welcome address, Principal Secretary of Forests and Environment, Shri Sanjeev Kumar, stated that “Asiatic lions roam naturally in Gir and the surrounding areas. Local people have made a significant contribution to lion conservation.”

In India, this celebration began in 2016 through the collaborative efforts of the Forest and Education Departments. It involves participation from nature enthusiasts, public representatives, various departments of the Gujarat government, and others.

This celebration carries a sentiment of lion conservation. Last year, more than 15 Lakhs people participated in Lion Day celebrations, and this year, 16 lakhs people took part. Due to the efforts of the Forest Department, Lion Day is being celebrated both virtually and in person, aiming to raise awareness about lion conservation among as many people as possible, he further mentioned.

In the presence of the Chief Minister and dignitaries, the books “Conservation of Asiatic Lion: Integrated Radio Telemetry for Enhanced Ecological Monitoring,” “Population Status of Wild Prey in Gir Protected Area,” and “Reintroduction and Satellite Telemetry of Indian Grey Hornbill in Gir” were released. Additionally, total cheques  worth ₹89 lakh were distributed to Eco-Development Committees operating in Gir for collective development projects.

On this occasion, a visual and auditory presentation showcasing various lion conservation activities conducted in Sasan Gir was exhibited. A congratulatory message from Union Minister of Forests and Environment Shri Bhupendra Yadav was also presented. A collective pledge for lion conservation was taken by all the esteemed attendees. The vote of thanks was delivered by Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Shri N. Srivastava.

At the ‘World Lion Day’ celebration in Sasan-Gir, the following distinguished guests were present: Member of Parliament Shri Rajeshbhai Chudasama; MLAs Shri Bhagwan Barad, Shri Deva Malam, Shri Bhagwanji Kargathiya, and Shri Arvind Ladani; Junagadh District Panchayat President Shri Haresh Thummar; Gir Somnath District Panchayat President Smt. Manjula Muchhar; Junagadh Deputy Mayor Shri Girish Kotecha; Junagadh District Collector Shri Anilkumar Ranavasiya; Chief Conservator of Forests Shri Aradhana Sahu; District Police Chief Shri Harshad Mehta; Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Shri U.D. Singh; Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Shri A.P. Singh, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Shri Dr. Jaipal Singh, and Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Shri S.K. Srivastava; Chief Conservator of Forests Shri Aradhana Sahu; and leaders such as Shri Zaveri Thakkar, Shri Mahendra Pithiya, Shri Kirit Patel, and Shri Punit Sharma. Additionally, the Assistant Conservator of Forests for the Sasan-Gir wildlife division, Dr. Mohan Ram, along with wildlife department officials, staff, teachers, and students, were also in attendance.

Source: Information Department, Gujarat