On March 3, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the 7th meeting of the National Board for Wildlife at Gir National Park, Gujarat, marking a pivotal moment in India's wildlife conservation efforts. During the meeting, PM Modi unveiled several ambitious initiatives aimed at preserving the nation's rich biodiversity.

In a significant move, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for the National Referral Centre for Wildlife at Junagadh. This center is poised to become a hub for wildlife health and disease management, addressing emerging challenges in wildlife conservation.

PM Modi also announced the 16th Asiatic Lion Population Estimation to be conducted in 2025, reflecting ongoing efforts to monitor and protect this iconic species. Additionally, he revealed plans to establish a Centre of Excellence at the Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON) in Coimbatore. This center will focus on mitigating human-wildlife conflicts, leveraging advanced technologies such as remote sensing, geospatial mapping, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.

Further expanding conservation initiatives, the Prime Minister declared new projects for Gharials and introduced a National Great Indian Bustard Conservation Action Plan. These efforts aim to bolster populations of these critically endangered species.

These comprehensive measures signal a robust and technologically advanced approach to wildlife conservation, reflecting India's dedication to protecting its natural heritage.