World Lion Day: Bhupender Yadav hails India’s ‘remarkable journey’ in lion conservation

NEW DELHI: Marking World Lion Day on Monday, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav emphasised India’s commitment to the conservation and protection of the Asiatic lion.

In a post on X, Yadav said, “On World Lion Day, we celebrate India’s remarkable journey in lion conservation. India’s success in conserving the Asiatic Lion is a proud testament to our unwavering commitment to wildlife and biodiversity. From protecting critical habitats to strengthening conservation efforts, India has demonstrated that development and nature conservation can move forward together.”

He added, “From 523 in 2015 to 891 in 2025, the steady growth of the Asiatic Lion population reflects the dedication of our forest officials, conservationists, local communities and all those working tirelessly to protect this magnificent species. As we mark World Lion Day, let us reaffirm our resolve to safeguard our natural heritage and ensure that the roar of the Asiatic Lion continues to resonate for generations to come”.

On World Lion Day, we celebrate India’s remarkable journey in lion conservation.

India’s success in conserving the Asiatic Lion is a proud testament to our unwavering commitment to wildlife and biodiversity. From protecting critical habitats to strengthening conservation… pic.twitter.com/7aJv98uRSG

— Bhupender Yadav (@byadavbjp) August 10, 2026

In a post on X, he claimed that the Asiatic lion population has risen from 523 in 2015 to 891. “The Asiatic Lion population has steadily increased from 523 in 2015 to 891 in 2025,” Yadav said in a social media post. He credited those working to protect the species and said the government remained committed to ensuring that the lion’s “roar” continued to resonate for generations.

Union Minister of State for Environment Kirti Vardhan Singh said India’s conservation efforts showed that development and nature could coexist. He said the government had focused on protecting critical habitats, strengthening conservation programmes and promoting coexistence between communities and wildlife.

Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghvi described the lion as “our pride, our responsibility” and called for strengthened efforts towards wildlife conservation and the protection of India’s natural heritage.

“Our pride, our responsibility. On World Lion Day, let’s celebrate the majestic Asiatic Lion and strengthen our commitment towards protecting wildlife, preserving biodiversity and safeguarding India’s natural heritage for generations to come. #WorldLionDay”, he posted.

Our pride, our responsibility.

On World Lion Day, let’s celebrate the majestic Asiatic Lion and strengthen our commitment towards protecting wildlife, preserving biodiversity and safeguarding India’s natural heritage for generations to come.#WorldLionDay pic.twitter.com/cDDy24Zsfu

— Harsh Sanghavi (@sanghaviharsh) August 10, 2026

India’s efforts to conserve the Asiatic lion, particularly across Gujarat’s Gir and Greater Gir landscapes, have emerged as a remarkable example of successful big-cat conservation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced Project Lion on August 15, 2020, with the objective of ensuring the long-term conservation of the Asiatic lion. Since then, the geographical range of the species has expanded from around 30,000 sq km in 2020 to nearly 35,000 sq km, according to the Environment Ministry.

The project follows a landscape-level approach to lion conservation, with interventions including habitat improvement, disease surveillance and veterinary support, scientific population monitoring and technology-aided conservation measures. It also focuses on biodiversity protection, benefit-sharing and greater participation of local communities in conservation efforts.

The Asiatic lion, whose last remaining wild population is found in and around Gujarat’s Gir landscape, has been the focus of sustained conservation efforts over the past several decades. (ANI)