On March 3, 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the highly anticipated Vantara project in Jamnagar, Gujarat, in celebration of World Wildlife Day. The project is an ambitious wildlife initiative aimed at promoting conservation and enhancing awareness about endangered species. During the inauguration ceremony, PM Modi highlighted the significance of preserving biodiversity, stating, ‘Wildlife is an integral part of our ecosystem, and it is our responsibility to protect it for future generations.’ The event included an interactive session where PM Modi engaged with lions and tigers, even playing with cubs, showcasing the intimate bond between humans and wildlife. This initiative comes alongside the government’s plans for the re-introduction of cheetahs to new areas and conducting a lion survey to better understand their population dynamics. The Vantara project is a key part of Modi’s broader conservation strategy aimed at safeguarding India’s rich fauna. Modi underscored the need for a collective national effort in conservation, asserting that ‘We need to involve local communities in wildlife preservation; it’s vital for the success of our environmental policies.’
