(a) whether there has been increase in the number of Asiatic Lions in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof
(c) whether the Government has prepared any plan for conservation and protection of Asiatic Lions
in the Gir Forests which is the only habitat of Asiatic Lion in the State of Gujarat;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the steps taken/being taken by the Government this regard?
MINISTER OF THE STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRIMATI JAYANTHI NATARAJAN)
(a) and (b) The population of Asiatic Lions in the country has increased from 177 in the year 1968 to 359 in the year 2005 and 411
in the year 2010.
(c) to (e) The State Government of Gujarat has prepared a comprehensive project titled ‘Consolidating Long term Conservation of Asiatic
Lion in Greater Gir Region, Gujarat’ to be implemented over a period of five years at the total cost of Rs.262.36 crores which has been
approved ‘in principle’ by the Planning Commission subject to compliance with the provisions of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional
Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006. So far, the Ministry has released financial assistance amounting to Rs.1350.40
lakhs to the State Government for undertaking activities forming part of the proposal for the first year of the project.