PM Modi emphasises on involvement of local population in Dolphin conservation
Mar 03, 2025Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for greater use of traditional knowledge and AI to support wildlife management. He also emphasized the use of AI, machine learning, and geospatial mapping for forest fire and wildlife conflict management, collaborating with BISAG-N and the Forest Survey of India. Chairing the 7th meeting of the National Board for Wildlife at Sasan Gir in Junagadh district on today on the occasion of World Wildlife Conservation Day, he emphasized the importance of awareness of dolphin conservation through the involvement of the local population and villagers in these areas. He also advised organizing exposure visits for school children in dolphin habitat areas. During the meeting, the Prime Minister released the report of the first-ever riverine dolphin estimation conducted in the country, which estimated a total of 6,327 dolphins. This pioneering effort involved surveying 28 rivers across eight states, with 3,150 man-days dedicated to covering over 8,500 kilometers. Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest numbers, followed by Bihar, West Bengal, and Assam.
Mr. Modi also laid the foundation stone of the National Referral Centre for Wildlife at Junagadh, which will function as the hub for coordination and governance of various aspects related to wildlife health and disease management. The Prime Minister announced the initiation of the 16th cycle of lion estimation to be conducted this year. He announced support for lion conservation in Barda Wildlife Sanctuary, focusing on prey augmentation and habitat improvements, as Asiatic Lions have naturally dispersed there. He emphasized the role of eco-tourism in wildlife conservation and stressed the need for improved travel and connectivity for wildlife tourism. The Prime Minister announced the establishment of a Centre of Excellence at the Wildlife Institute of India’s SACON campus in Coimbatore to manage human-wildlife conflicts more effectively. The centre will enhance Rapid Response Teams with advanced tracking technologies and surveillance systems. It will also strengthen field practitioners’ capacity to mitigate conflicts. He also introduced plans for expanding cheetah introductions to other regions, conserving tigers outside reserves, and launching a Gharial conservation project. He also unveiled a National Action Plan for the Great Indian Bustard and proposed a roadmap for better conservation of species like the Sloth Bear.
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