The Gujarat project which was all set to sail in 2020, came crashing down with the unforeseen COVID-19 virus. The Gujarat government had sought a budget of Rs 2000 cr though only Rs 1,000 Cr is approved by the Center with the statement that 40% will have to be borne by the State.
After a two-year hiatus, the project is finally about to launch now, with the central government approving Project Lion for the conservation of the Asiatic Lion habitat in the Gir sanctuary.
During his last visit to Gujarat, Bhupendra Yadav better known as Union Environment Minister had asked state forest department officials to create a roadmap that will work for the next 25 years to sustain the lions’ habitats.
A Surge in the Wildlife Offenses
There has been a high rise in the number of offenses under the Wildlife Protection Act, and most of them are about the illegal lion shows conducted in Gir, though other parts of the State also contributed to the offenses.
The number of offenses under the Wildlife Protection Act was 366 for the year 2018-19, 282 for the year 2019-20, and 463 for the year 2020-21.
Budget Allocation
It is aimed that the Project Lion shall necessitate the development of the habitat, usage of modern technology for the field of lion development, and tackling of the issue of diseases among their tribe, through top-notch research and veterinary care. The project sought to include local communities living there, and take upon the human-wildlife dispute while providing employment opportunities for the residents.
