Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav celebrates significant increase in lion numbers in India
New Delhi: Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav hailed the notable growth in India’s lion population, calling it a “landmark success” in wildlife protection. He claimed the number has grown to 891 from 674 in 2020. Yadav attributed this accomplishment to the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who served as both the Indian Prime Minister and the Gujarat Chief Minister.
He also commended animal enthusiasts, environmentalists, and forest authorities for their contributions to this achievement. He called on everybody to keep striving for a “Viksit Bharat where humans prosper along with wildlife.”
The fact that there are now 891 lions in India, up from 674 in 2020, is really encouraging. The remarkable conservation accomplishment may be attributed to the combined efforts of Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji, who prioritized Project Lion as a priority area of action when serving as Gujarat’s chief minister and then as the prime minister of India, the Union Environment Minister said.
“I want to congratulate everyone on this achievement, including forest authorities, animal enthusiasts, and environmentalists. He emphasized the need for everyone to work together to maintain and expand on this accomplishment, saying, “Let’s continue to work to ensure Viksit Bharat is one where humans and wildlife prosper.”
It is really heartening to note that the number of lions in India has risen to 891 from 674 in 2020.
This astounding success of conservation has been achieved due to the the concerted efforts of PM Shri @narendramodi ji, who first as Gujarat CM, and then as Indian PM, made… pic.twitter.com/nB9YUhu8ua
— Bhupender Yadav (@byadavbjp) May 21, 2025
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel built on this common goal by expressing his sincere appreciation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his leadership and unwavering support of wildlife protection. “Respected Prime Minister, you have my sincere gratitude for your vision and unwavering support in preserving the Asiatic lion and other wildlife,” he added. Under your direction, Gujarat’s wildlife conservation activities have raised awareness of lion protection to a level never seen before among both locals and visitors. The foundation for developing an ecosystem for lion protection and promotion is now “Project Lion.” Gujarat is committed to collaborating fully with the federal government to continue these initiatives indefinitely.
Patel also congratulated everyone who helped make Project Lion a reality on the ground and praised the dedication shown by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded to CM Bhupendra Patel’s article by expressing his thoughts on X, writing, “Very interesting information! I am very happy to see that the work being done under ‘Project Lion’ is not only giving Gujarati lions an appropriate habitat but also making sure they are protected.”
Project Lion, which has a budget of Rs 2,927.71 crore for the protection of Asiatic Lions, has been authorized by the Union Environment Ministry.
Through community involvement and effective habitat management, Project Lion is a game-changing program devoted to the protection and growth of the Asiatic lion population, guaranteeing its long-term existence.
It covers a broad variety of tactics, such as managing habitat and populations, animal health, reducing conflicts between humans and wildlife, involving the local community, developing tourism, conducting scientific research, providing training, eco-development, and biodiversity protection.
In 2024, 237 beat guards (162 men and 75 women) were recruited to improve lion conservation. They defend lion habitats, monitor protected areas, and avert fights. 11,000 machans have been constructed to enable farmers to preserve crops while guaranteeing safety and coexistence with lions, and 92 rescue trucks have been dispatched for quick wildlife emergency response, rescue of wild animals, and urgent medical treatment. These efforts also aim to prevent human-wildlife conflict. Building parapet walls around 55,108 open wells is a crucial safety precaution to stop wildlife falls, lower mortality, and save animals and water supplies.
An important turning point in India’s conservation history has been reached with the start of Project Lion. With Gujarat in the forefront, the project would guarantee Asiatic lions’ long-term survival and welfare, enhancing India’s standing as a world leader in wildlife preservation.