Union Environment Minister inaugurates ‘Lion’ Species Spotlight Programme

Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, today inaugurated the ‘Lion’ Species Spotlight Event at Sasan Gir, Gujarat. The programme was organised as part of the series of Pre-Summit Species Events under the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) Summit 2026.

The event was presided over by Chief Minister (Gujarat), Bhupendra Patel, through virtual medium. Other dignitaries gracing the occasion included Gujarat State Forest Minister, Arjun Modhwadia, Minister of State for Forest (Gujarat), Pravin Mali, besides senior officials from IBCA, Union and State Governments.

The Minister described Sasan Gir as a living symbol of India’s rich biodiversity, sensitivity towards nature and commitment to conservation. He stated that the Gir lion is not only the identity of Gujarat, but also a symbol of the pride, courage and natural heritage of the entire nation. The Minister informed how under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi various steps like Asiatic Lion Population Estimation initiative, National Wildlife Referral Centre in Junagadh and developing Barda National Wildlife Sanctuary as the site for natural dispersal of Asiatic Lion, are being taken ahead in mission mode.(UPDATED ON 14TH MAY 2026)