Devbhumi Dwarka, Aug 9(HS): The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, in partnership with the Gujarat Forest Department, will celebrate World Lion Day tomorrow at Barda Wildlife Sanctuary in Devbhumi Dwarka district.
The event will be attended by Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, and state Forest Minister Mulubhai Bera, along with other dignitaries. Celebrations will also be held across 11 Saurashtra districts, home to the Asiatic Lion.
Gujarat’s lion population has risen 32% since 2020, reaching 891 in 2025. Barda Wildlife Sanctuary, covering 192.31 sq. km, is emerging as a second home for the species, currently hosting 17 lions. Plans for a 248-hectare safari park and conservation projects worth ₹180 crore will be unveiled.
The event will also connect lakhs of students from the Greater Gir Lion Landscape via satellite, continuing the large-scale participation seen last year.
Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
