On March 3rd, "World Wildlife Day," Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed his commitment to preserving the planet’s extraordinary biodiversity. The day, designated by the 68th session of the United Nations General Assembly on December 20, 2013, is dedicated to celebrating and raising awareness about the world’s wildlife.
PM Modi visited Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat to mark World Wildlife Day and reviewed the "Project Lion," a significant Rs 2,927 crore initiative aimed at conserving and increasing the population of Asiatic lions. During his visit, he enjoyed capturing images of lion cubs and relishing the sunrise. He also chaired the seventh meeting of the National Board for Wildlife in Sasan, Junagadh district, with Cabinet Minister for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, and other members in attendance. PM Modi interacted with field staff at Gir, including eco-guides, trackers, and other front-line workers.
The Prime Minister also announced the 16th Asiatic lion population estimation, scheduled for May, and laid the foundation stone for the National Referral Center-Wildlife in Junagadh. Asiatic lion population assessments are conducted every five years.
PM Modi highlighted the role of prey augmentation and habitat enhancement in lion conservation efforts at Barda Wildlife Sanctuary, where Asiatic lions have naturally expanded their range. He also unveiled a book on river dolphins and announced the establishment of the SACON (Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History) in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, which will focus on human-wildlife conflict management.
During the National Board for Wildlife meeting, government wildlife conservation efforts were reviewed, including flagship programs for specific species. The creation of the International Big Cat Alliance and conservation efforts for Asiatic lions and dolphins were discussed. PM Modi emphasized the importance of engaging local communities in dolphin conservation and suggested organizing schoolchildren’s trips to dolphin habitats.
In a bid to attract international attention, the government proposed India as a filming location for Bear Grylls' popular show Man vs Wild, promoting the country’s rich wildlife. India’s thriving Asiatic lion population, with 674 lions in Gir Forest, was highlighted, alongside a 75% increase in the leopard population and the fact that 75% of the world's tiger population resides in India. Poaching of rhinos has been nearly eradicated, with the government proudly stating, “India isn’t just protecting wildlife – it’s bringing it back.”
India, known for its rich history and culture, is one of the world’s most biodiverse nations. Its diverse landscapes, from the snow-covered Himalayas to the rainforests of the Western Ghats and the deserts of Rajasthan, contribute to its biodiversity. Despite occupying only 2.4% of the world’s landmass, India is one of 17 mega-diverse countries, home to 7-8% of all known species, including 7.6% of animal species, 12.6% of birds, 6.2% of reptiles, and 6.0% of flowering plants.
The country hosts four of the 35 globally recognized biodiversity hotspots— the Western Ghats, Eastern Himalayas, Indo-Burma, and the Nicobar Islands— crucial for preserving the planet’s biodiversity.
India has established a vast network of protected areas, including over 106 national parks, 515 animal sanctuaries, 75 wetland sites, and 18 biosphere reserves, with ten of these being part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves.
The Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, a significant law aimed at banning the trade of endangered species, is a cornerstone of India’s wildlife conservation efforts. This legislation, alongside various national programs like Project Tiger, Project Lion, Project Rhinoceros, Project Elephant, and Project Dolphin, underscores the country’s commitment to preserving its diverse wildlife.
Measures to Protect and Conserve Wildlife
In India, wildlife conservation is considered not only for the well-being of animals but also as a crucial aspect of sustainable development. Preserving diverse and thriving ecosystems plays a vital role in maintaining ecological balance by supporting crop pollination, ensuring clean air and water, and enhancing resilience to climate change. One key objective is to strengthen overall bio-resilience against the impacts of global warming. Additionally, wildlife conservation efforts support the livelihoods of millions, particularly those living in rural areas near forests, by promoting a sustainable way of life.
Project Tiger: Since its launch in 1973, Project Tiger has significantly enhanced India's global reputation for species conservation. Initially created to protect the dwindling tiger population, the program has expanded to safeguard more tiger habitats, raise awareness within local communities, and enforce strict anti-poaching measures in tiger parks. In 2006, the tiger population in India had dropped to 1,411. However, by 2022, the population had risen to 3,167, making up more than 70% of the world’s wild tiger population. This growth reflects the success of conservation efforts over the years.
Project Lion: Gujarat's Gir National Park, covering 1,412 square kilometers, stands as a model for the conservation of Asiatic lions in India. The lion population dwindled to just 20 individuals by 1913 due to poaching and habitat loss. In 1965, Gir was designated a wildlife sanctuary following the Indian Forest Department's intervention. Today, the lion population has flourished, with 674 lions in the park by 2022, thanks to a collaborative effort between local communities and the forest department’s rescue operations.
Project Rhinoceros: The conservation of the one-horned rhinoceros, particularly in Assam's Kaziranga National Park, is a success story widely recognized by the World Wildlife Fund. The rhino population had suffered due to poaching, habitat destruction, and flooding. To address this, the Special Rhino Protection Force was formed in 2019 to combat poaching. Conservation initiatives have had a positive impact, with the 2022 census showing an increase of 26 rhinos from the previous year and no poaching incidents reported in the region.
Project Elephant: Launched in 1992, Project Elephant aims to protect elephants, their habitats, and migratory routes, as well as reduce human-elephant conflict and provide medical care to injured elephants. With the species endangered, these efforts are crucial to ensuring their survival. The 2018 census recorded approximately 26,786 elephants in India. By 2022, the number had risen to 29,964, representing more than 60% of the world's wild Asian elephant population.
Project Dolphin: In 2020, Prime Minister Modi launched Project Dolphin, unveiling the first-ever national riverine dolphin survey. This effort identified a population of 6,327 dolphins across 28 rivers in eight states, with over 8,500 kilometers surveyed. Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest number, followed by Bihar, West Bengal, and Assam.
Striving Toward Wildlife Conservation Milestones
While all Indian governments have aimed to conserve wildlife, the Modi administration has placed special emphasis on this initiative, achieving remarkable success.
Budget Allocation 2024-25: The fiscal year 2024-25 has allocated Rs 3,330.37 crore to the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, marking an increase from Rs 3,231.02 crore in the previous year. The budget for the National Tiger Conservation Authority has more than doubled, rising from Rs 15.8 crore in 2022-2023 to Rs 35 crore in 2023-2024. Additionally, the National Biodiversity Authority’s budget increased from Rs 14 crore to Rs 16 crore, and the Central Zoo Authority’s funding grew from Rs 9.9 crore to Rs 12 crore.
Role of Local Communities: In India, local communities play a vital role in the conservation of endangered species and their habitats. These communities are key to preventing illegal hunting and protecting the ecosystems where these animals thrive. Their involvement goes beyond simple protection efforts, as they also contribute by reporting illegal activities and participating in wildlife monitoring, making them a critical part of India’s conservation successes.
Eco-tourism: India has recognized that eco-tourism can play a significant role in wildlife conservation while benefiting local communities through the sustainable use of natural resources. The Indian eco-tourism market was valued at US$ 2.24 billion in 2019, according to Allied Market Research, with projections suggesting it will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.7%, reaching US$ 4.55 billion by 2027.
Following the Covid-19 pandemic, industry experts predict that India will emerge as one of the leading markets for eco-friendly accommodations. Factors such as increased travel to remote destinations, a growing interest in wildlife safaris, coral reef diving, and other untouched natural areas, all with a focus on sustainability, are driving the steady growth of India’s eco-tourism sector.
Conquering Challenges
India has also tackled the challenges related to wildlife conservation.
Habitat Fragmentation: As urbanization and human population growth continue to expand, wildlife habitats are becoming smaller and more isolated. In response, India has been working diligently to connect fragmented areas through the creation of wildlife corridors. These corridors mitigate the effects of habitat fragmentation by allowing safe migration of animals between different regions. A notable example is the Karnataka-Tamil Nadu-Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, which serves as a crucial corridor for tigers and elephants.
Human-Wildlife Conflict: Elephants, leopards, and tigers often come into contact with humans when they traverse agricultural areas or regions inhabited by people. This interaction frequently leads to crop damage, livestock loss, and even human casualties. Consequently, local communities may develop negative perceptions of wildlife, making conservation efforts even more challenging. To address this, the government has implemented compensation schemes for farmers and communities impacted by wildlife activities. For instance, the Madhya Pradesh government compensates for crop damage caused by elephants.
Illegal Poaching and Wildlife Trade: The illegal trade in animal parts, such as tiger skins, rhino horns, and elephant tusks, has created a thriving underground market, undermining conservation efforts and intensifying the pressure on endangered species. In response, India has increased surveillance in protected areas and expanded the number of anti-poaching units to strengthen enforcement. A key initiative is the deployment of Special Rhino Protection Forces at Kaziranga National Park.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government has made significant strides in wildlife conservation and protection. The proportion of the nation's land covered by protected areas has increased from 4.90% to 5.03%. Reports from 2022 indicate that the number of protected areas has grown from 740, covering 161,081.62 square kilometers in 2014, to 981, spanning 171,921 square kilometers.
Over the years, forest and tree cover has expanded by 16,000 square kilometers, positioning India as one of the few countries with steadily growing forest cover worldwide. Additionally, the number of community reserves has risen significantly, from 43 in 2014 to over 100 in 2019, and 219 in 2024. As of 2023, India boasts a network of 1,014 protected areas, including 106 National Parks, 573 Wildlife Sanctuaries, 115 Conservation Reserves, and 220 Community Reserves, covering a total of 175,169.42 square kilometers, or approximately 5.32% of the country’s total land area.
Strategic Initiatives to Enhance Wildlife Conservation
On 3rd March, the Prime Minister made several announcements aimed at advancing India's wildlife conservation efforts. Through SACON, states and union territories will receive state-of-the-art technology and devices to support Rapid Response Teams, recommending the installation of surveillance and Intrusion Detection Systems in high human-wildlife conflict zones. These measures will enhance the ability of field practitioners and communities to implement effective conflict mitigation strategies.
The Prime Minister emphasized the use of modern technology and the collaboration between the Wildlife Institute of India and the Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N). He suggested that the Forest Survey of India in Dehradun and BISAG-N work together using space technology to improve monitoring and management of forest fires, especially in sensitive protected areas, with a focus on prediction, detection, prevention, and control.
The Prime Minister also announced plans to expand the cheetah relocation program to other regions, including Gujarat’s Banni Grasslands and Madhya Pradesh’s Gandhisagar Sanctuary. Additionally, he unveiled a plan to conserve tigers outside tiger reserves, aiming to address human-tiger conflicts by ensuring coexistence with local communities. He also introduced a new project focused on gharial conservation to address their declining population.
PM Modi praised the ongoing conservation efforts for the Great Indian Bustard and launched a National Great Indian Bustard Conservation Action Plan to sustain these initiatives. He urged the Environment Ministry and the Board to gather traditional knowledge and manuscripts from across India related to forest and wildlife management for research and development.
The Prime Minister ordered the formation of several task forces to focus on the conservation and development of the Indian Sloth Bear, Gharial, and Great Indian Bustard. He also outlined a strategy for the Ministry’s future actions in wildlife conservation. Citing the example of Gir, he suggested that AI be used to document traditional knowledge, enabling its application in other national parks and sanctuaries. He further proposed strengthening coordination within the United Nations Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS).
PM Modi also highlighted the importance of studying and documenting medicinal plants found in forests, which could play a significant role in animal health management. He discussed the potential for global promotion of plant-based medicinal products for animal health. Additionally, the Prime Minister launched motorcycles to improve mobility for front-line forest staff.
Given the ongoing success of wildlife conservation in India under PM Modi’s leadership, these recommendations are expected to help overcome existing challenges and steer the nation in the right direction.
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