New Delhi, Feb 9: A dedicated ‘Asiatic Lion Conservation Project’ with a budgetary contribution of Rs 97.85 crore from the Central Government was launched here on Friday.
With a view to strengthen the conservation initiatives, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change(MoEFCC) approved the project for three financial years FY 2018-19, FY 2019-20 and FY 2020-21.
The Asiatic Lion endemic to Gir landscape of Gujarat, is one of the 21 critically endangered species identified by the Ministry for taking up recovery programmes.
Asiatic Lion, being listed in Schedule-I of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, to be accorded the highest degree of protection.
Speaking at launch event, Union Environment, Forests & Climate Change Minister Harsh Vardhan said that the project envisages a scientific management with involvement of communities in coordination with multi-sectoral agencies for disease control and veterinary care for overall conservation of Lion.
He said the visit to the Gir Forest and witnessing of lions in their natural habitat had been an extraordinary experience for him.
Dr Vardhan handed over the sanction for an amount of Rs 17.03 crore to Gujarat Minister of State for Forest and Tribal Development Ramanlal Nanubhai Patkar for implementation of activities during first year of the project.
Expressing happiness on the collaboration, the Gujarat minister said that there are about 700 lions presently in the Gir Forest and they are increasing in number.
Speaking on the occasion, the Additional Chief Secretary of Gujarat, Mr Rajiv Kumar Gupta said that in all with the contribution of the State Government, about 300 crore rupees will be spent including 80 crore rupees for a hospital and ambulances for lions.
