The North News
New Delhi, March 3
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday released the first-ever riverine dolphin estimation report, revealing a total of 6,327 dolphins across 28 rivers in eight Indian states. The survey, covering over 8,500 kilometers, highlighted Uttar Pradesh as having the highest dolphin population, followed by Bihar, West Bengal, and Assam.
Prime Minister Modi emphasized involving local populations in dolphin conservation efforts, suggesting exposure visits for school children to dolphin habitats. He also laid the foundation stone for the National Referral Centre for Wildlife in Junagadh, a hub for wildlife health and disease management.
The Prime Minister announced the initiation of the 16th Asiatic lion population estimation in 2025 and detailed conservation measures for Barda Wildlife Sanctuary. Highlighting the role of eco-tourism in wildlife conservation, he advocated for improved travel connectivity to wildlife tourism spots.
During his visit to Gir National Park in Gujarat, Modi chaired the 7th meeting of the National Board for Wildlife, reviewing key conservation initiatives like Project Tiger, Project Elephant, and Project Snow Leopard. He announced the establishment of a Centre of Excellence at the Wildlife Institute of India in Coimbatore to manage human-wildlife conflicts, focusing on technology-driven solutions.
Prime Minister Modi called for the use of AI, geospatial mapping, and remote sensing to tackle forest fires and human-animal conflicts. He also revealed plans to introduce cheetahs to new areas, expand tiger conservation efforts, and launch new initiatives for gharials and the Great Indian Bustard.
The Prime Minister urged documentation of traditional knowledge on forest and wildlife conservation using AI and emphasized the role of community reserves in conservation. He also flagged off motorcycles to enhance mobility of frontline forest staff and interacted with eco-guides and trackers at Gir.
