*PM Modi Chairs 7th National Board for Wildlife Meeting in Gujarat*
New Delhi: India’s first-ever population estimate of river dolphins shows a promising count of 6,327 dolphins across the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Indus River systems.
The comprehensive survey, spanning 28 rivers in eight states, covered over 8,500 kilometers and utilized 3,150 man-days of effort. Uttar Pradesh led the tally, followed by Bihar, West Bengal, and Assam.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the report during his visit to Gir National Park in Gujarat, where he also attended the 7th National Board for Wildlife meeting. In his address, the Prime Minister emphasized the critical role of local communities in dolphin conservation and the potential of eco-tourism to drive wildlife protection. He also stressed the need for better connectivity to boost wildlife tourism in the country.
Today Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the seventh meeting of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) at Sasan Gir in Junagadh district, Gujarat, coinciding with World Wildlife Conservation Day. The meeting was attended by Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav, state representatives, NGO officials, chief wildlife wardens, and secretaries from various states.
The meeting focused on discussions related to wildlife conservation and management. The National Board for Wildlife, which works towards promoting the conservation and development of wildlife and forests, operates under the leadership of the Prime Minister. During the session, PM Modi virtually inaugurated the foundation stone for the National Referral Centre for Wildlife in Junagadh.
He also unveiled the 16th Asiatic Lion Population Estimation 2025 and inaugurated the Centre of Excellence in Human-Wildlife Conflict Management in Coimbatore. Before the meeting, the Prime Minister embarked on a jungle safari at Gir National Park and took part in a tree plantation drive at Sinh Sadan Campus in Gir. He flagged off patrolling bikes for field staff working on wildlife conservation and management. Modi also interacted with eco-guides, trackers, and women field staff.
In a post on social media, the Prime Minister praised the collective efforts in Gir forest, highlighting the rise in the Asiatic lion population. He also acknowledged the role of tribal communities and women in preserving the lion’s habitat.
