Project Lion: India’s Bold Step to Protect Asiatic Lions

A New Era for India’s Lions

Project Lion: India’s Bold Step to Protect Asiatic Lions: India has taken a bold leap to protect its Asiatic lion population by rolling out Project Lion with a massive budget of ₹2,927.71 crore. These lions, found only in Gujarat, are a matter of national pride and ecological significance. To prevent overdependence on a single habitat, the government aims to move beyond Gir National Park and develop new lion homes like Barda Dungar, where a lion was spotted in 2023 for the first time. This signals nature’s own readiness for diversification.

Fighting Diseases and Protecting Health

Lion health is no longer taken lightly. After outbreaks of Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) in 2018 and Babesia in 2020, it became clear that a proper disease surveillance system was essential. Now, a National Wildlife Disease Diagnostic Centre is coming up in Sasan, Gir. This facility will work like a medical control room for lions—tracking their health, issuing alerts, and helping create vaccination and rescue protocols to prevent another health crisis.

Humans and Lions: Keeping a Safe Distance

To avoid dangerous encounters, the project is carving out 1,000 sq. km. of exclusive lion zones by relocating human settlements. More than 11,000 machans (watch towers) have already been distributed to farmers so they can spot lions from a distance, especially at night. This approach respects both human safety and wildlife space, reducing the chances of harmful confrontations in shared zones.

Tech and Teams on the Ground

Project Lion is not just about relocating lions or building walls—it’s about smart conservation. Drones, CCTV surveillance, and 33 rapid response teams are being deployed to respond quickly when lions wander into villages or get injured. A total of 100 wildlife trackers and 237 beat guards were hired in 2024 alone, ensuring every corner of lion territory is under watch. These teams are trained in rescue, tracking, and emergency care, making the protection effort faster and smarter.

Local Hearts, Global Goals

The real success of any wildlife project lies in community support. That’s why villagers near lion habitats are being involved through education programs, job creation, and eco-tourism opportunities. When local people benefit from lion conservation, they become protectors rather than bystanders. This also helps India meet its global commitments to biodiversity and ecological balance.

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Project Lion: India’s Bold Step to Protect Asiatic Lions: