'Very encouraging': PM Modi hails efforts as Gir lions increase from 674 to 891 in 5 years

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the population of Asiatic lions in Gujarat's Gir forest has increased from 674 to 891 in just five years, which he called a "very encouraging" development.

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Speaking during the 122nd episode of his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, the Prime Minister attributed the success to collective efforts by the people of the region and the use of modern methods.

This number of lions that emerged after the lion census is very encouraging," he said, adding that their strength was revealed in the census that was conducted across 11 districts, covering an area of 35,000 square kilometers.

The teams involved in the exercise worked round-the-clock, ensuring verification and cross-verification for accurate results, he said.