New Delhi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday announced the launch of Project Lion and Project Dolphin for the conservation of the two endangered species in the country using modern technology.
According to a MoEFCC spokesperson, Project Lion would involve conservation of the Asiatic Lion, and its landscape.
“The project will entail habitat development by engaging modern technologies in management and addressing the issue of diseases in lion and its associated species through advanced world-class research and veterinary care,” said the spokesperson.
The project would also address the Human-Wildlife conflict. This would involve local communities living in the vicinity of lion landscape, and would also provide livelihood opportunities.
Notably, the Asiatic Lion Conservation Project was launched in the NDA’s first term with a budgetary contribution of Rs 97.85 Cr from Central Government.
The Ministry has approved the project for three financial years—FY 2018-19, FY 2019-20 and FY 2020-21.
However, according to the ministry officials, that were related to the finance aspect primarily while the Project Lion was announced by PM “will not only entail enhanced finances and duration, but address all the issues required to conserve a species.”
“Using the latest technology, the focus will be on health management and holistically providing world standard care, addressing all that is required to conserve a species,” they said.
Meanwhile, Project Dolphin aims at the conservation and protection of the Dolphins in rivers and oceans of the country.
It involves conservation of Dolphins and the aquatic habitat through the use of modern technology—specially in enumeration and anti-poaching activities.
It will engage the fishermen and other rivers and ocean dependent population, and will strive for improving the livelihood of the local communities.
“The conservation of Dolphin will also envisage activities which will also help in the mitigation of pollution in rivers and the oceans,” said the ministry spokesperson. -TNS
