March 3, 2025, coinciding with World Wildlife Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the seventh meeting of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) at Gir National Park in Gujarat. This gathering marked a significant milestone in India's ongoing commitment to wildlife conservation, introducing several pivotal initiatives aimed at preserving the nation's rich biodiversity.
Expansion of the Cheetah Reintroduction Initiative
A cornerstone of the meeting was the announcement to broaden the scope of the Cheetah Reintroduction Project. Historically, India lost its native cheetah population by 1950. In a landmark effort to reintroduce this majestic species, the country welcomed 20 African cheetahs—eight from Namibia and 12 from South Africa—in two phases during September 2022 and February 2023. These cheetahs found a new home at Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh. However, challenges arose as seven adult cheetahs succumbed between March 2023 and January 2024. On a brighter note, out of 17 cubs born in India, 12 have survived, showcasing a glimmer of hope for the species' revival. Building on these developments, Prime Minister Modi declared plans to extend the cheetah introduction to additional habitats, notably the Gandhisagar Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh and the Banni Grasslands in Gujarat. The Gandhisagar Sanctuary spans the Mandsaur and Neemuch districts in eastern Madhya Pradesh, while the Banni Grasslands encompass a vast 2,500 square kilometers in Gujarat's Kutch district. This strategic expansion aims to bolster the cheetah population and restore ecological balance in these regions. Dipankar Ghose, Senior Director of Biodiversity Conservation at WWF India, emphasized that such initiatives would attract increased investment and enhance protection measures for these areas. He noted that grassland ecosystems stand to benefit immensely, and that research should align with the guidelines set forth in the Project Cheetah Action Plan.
Unveiling of the Riverine Dolphin Census
In a pioneering effort, the first-ever riverine dolphin census report was released during the meeting, revealing a total of 6,327 dolphins across India. This comprehensive survey spanned 28 rivers in eight states, covering over 8,500 kilometers and involving 3,150 man-days. Uttar Pradesh emerged as the state with the highest dolphin count, followed by Bihar, West Bengal, and Assam. Specifically, the Ganga mainstream is home to 3,275 dolphins, its tributaries host an additional 2,414, the Brahmaputra river system contains approximately 635, and the Beas river supports three dolphins. The census highlighted certain stretches with notable dolphin populations. For instance, a 47-kilometer segment between Bhind and Pachhnada in the Chambal River exhibited a high encounter rate, as did the Kanpur-Vindhyachal stretch. Conversely, the dolphin population between Kanpur and Narora was found to be nearly non-existent, indicating areas where conservation efforts may need to be intensified. Prime Minister Modi underscored the importance of raising awareness about dolphin conservation. He advocated for involving local communities and organizing educational visits for school children to dolphin habitats, fostering a sense of stewardship and connection to these aquatic mammals.
Foundation of the National Referral Centre for Wildlife
Demonstrating a commitment to advancing wildlife healthcare and research, Prime Minister Modi laid the foundation stone for the National Referral Centre for Wildlife in Junagadh, Gujarat. This center is poised to become a pivotal institution for wildlife disease diagnosis, treatment, and research, addressing the growing need for specialized veterinary care in conservation efforts.
Upcoming Asiatic Lion Population Estimation
The meeting also set the stage for the 16th Asiatic Lion Population Estimation, scheduled for May 2025. The previous census in 2020 recorded 674 individuals, marking a nearly 29% increase from the 523 lions counted in 2015. This upward trend reflects the success of ongoing conservation strategies. The forthcoming estimation will provide updated insights into the population dynamics of these iconic big cats, guiding future conservation policies.
Establishment of a Centre of Excellence for Human-Wildlife Conflict Management
Addressing the critical issue of human-wildlife conflict, the Prime Minister announced the creation of a Centre of Excellence for Human-Wildlife Conflict Management. To be established at the Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON) in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, this center will support states and union territories in equipping Rapid Response Teams with advanced technology. It will also prescribe surveillance and intrusion detection systems in conflict hotspots and build the capacity of field practitioners and communities to implement effective conflict mitigation measures.
Launch of Conservation Projects for Gharials and the Great Indian Bustard
Recognizing the need to upscale conservation efforts for critically endangered species, the Prime Minister announced new projects focusing on gharials (fish-eating crocodiles) and the Great Indian Bustard (GIB). The National Great Indian Bustard Conservation Action Plan aims to conserve and restore GIB habitats across their range. It emphasizes the importance of better planning infrastructure development in and around these habitats, with appropriate mitigation measures to ensure the survival of these species. Experts like Dipankar Ghose express hope that the GIB project will focus on these aspects, supported by effective engagement with local communities.
Integration of Advanced Technologies in Conservation
In a move to modernize conservation efforts, Prime Minister Modi recommended the utilization of remote sensing, geospatial mapping, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning to tackle challenges such as forest fires and human-animal conflicts. He suggested collaboration between the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) and the Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N) to address these issues effectively. Additionally, to enhance the monitoring and management of forest fires, particularly in highly sensitive protected areas, the Prime Minister advised a partnership between the Forest Survey of India and BISAG-N, leveraging space technology for prediction, detection
