On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the significance of remote sensing, geospatial mapping, Artificial Intelligence, and Machine Learning in addressing challenges such as forest fires and human-animal conflicts. Earlier in the day, he visited Gir National Park in Gujarat and presided over the 7th meeting of the National Board for Wildlife.

During the meeting, PM Modi proposed collaboration between the Wildlife Institute of India and the Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N) to tackle human-wildlife conflicts. He emphasized using space technology to enhance monitoring and management of forest fires, specifically in sensitive protected areas, by promoting prediction, detection, prevention, and control strategies.

To effectively manage human-wildlife interactions, Modi announced the establishment of a Centre of Excellence at the Wildlife Institute of India in Coimbatore’s Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON). This center will assist states and Union Territories in equipping Rapid Response Teams with advanced tracking technology, surveillance systems, and training for effective conflict mitigation.

Additionally, the Prime Minister revealed plans to expand the Cheetah reintroduction program to include areas like the Gandhisagar Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh and the Banni Grasslands in Gujarat. He introduced a scheme aimed at tiger conservation outside reserves, which seeks to foster coexistence with local communities while addressing human-tiger conflicts.

Modi pointed out Gir National Park as a success story for Lion and Leopard conservation, advocating for the documentation of traditional knowledge using AI for application in other national parks and sanctuaries. The National Board for Wildlife reviewed various government initiatives in wildlife conservation, including the establishment of new protected areas and flagship programs such as Project Tiger, Project Elephant, and Project Snow Leopard.

The Board also addressed conservation efforts related to dolphins and Asiatic lions and discussed establishing the International Big Cats Alliance. During the meeting, the Prime Minister released a report on the first comprehensive estimation of riverine dolphins in India, which found a total of 6,327 dolphins after surveying 28 rivers in eight states. Uttar Pradesh had the highest count, followed by Bihar, West Bengal, and Assam.

Modi emphasized raising awareness about dolphin conservation through local community engagement and suggested organizing field trips for school children to dolphin habitats. He laid the foundation stone for the National Referral Centre for Wildlife in Junagadh, which will coordinate wildlife health and disease management efforts.

The Prime Minister announced the start of the 16th cycle for Asiatic Lion population estimation, which occurs every five years, with the next assessment scheduled for 2025. Notably, he mentioned that Asiatic Lions have naturally dispersed to the Barda Wildlife Sanctuary, and emphasized support for their conservation through habitat improvements and prey augmentation.

Highlighting eco-tourism as a vital tool for development and wildlife habitat conservation, he called for improved travel and connectivity for wildlife tourism. To address the conservation of gharials, he announced a new project aimed at their protection.

PM Modi commended ongoing efforts to conserve the Great Indian Bustard and announced a National Conservation Action Plan for this species. He urged the Board and Environment Ministry to collect traditional knowledge and manuscripts regarding forest and wildlife management from various regions for research and development purposes.

The Prime Minister articulated a roadmap for the future of wildlife conservation strategy, suggesting the formation of task forces focused on the Indian Sloth Bear, Gharial, and Great Indian Bustard. He encouraged enhanced cooperation within the United Nations Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS).

Praising the active involvement of local communities in conservation efforts, especially through the creation of Community Reserves, he noted that India has seen a more than sixfold increase in such reserves over the past decade. Modi also stressed the importance of leveraging advanced technologies, including AI, in wildlife conservation.

Furthermore, he advocated for the research and documentation of medicinal plants in forest areas, which can be crucial for animal health management, and discussed the potential for promoting plant-based medicinal systems on a global scale. After the meeting, PM Modi flagged off motorcycles to enhance mobility for frontline forest staff and interacted with field personnel, including eco-guides and trackers at Gir.