Overview

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Somnath Temple in Gujarat's Gir Somnath district, performing darshan at the revered Shiva shrine.
• The visit is part of a three-day trip to Modi's home state, coinciding with preparations for World Wildlife Day on March 3.
• PM Modi will chair a National Board for Wildlife meeting in Sasan, home to the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary, which houses the last population of Asiatic lions.
• Gujarat has implemented significant conservation initiatives, including a high-tech wildlife monitoring center, a state-of-the-art hospital in Sasan, and a National Referral Center for Wildlife in Junagadh.
• Efforts like the Greater Gir Conservation Model and community engagement programs have expanded lion habitats and strengthened protection measures across 30,000 square kilometers.