Wednesday, June, 03,2026

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Rs 75 crore safari park, tourist facilities to be developed in Barda sanctuary area: Gujarat CM

Gandhinagar : Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said that lions have today emerged as a global symbol of India's pride. He made the remarks at the World Lion Day celebrations held on Sunday at Barda Wildlife Sanctuary in the Devbhumi Dwarka district.

On the occasion, wishing lion and nature lovers worldwide, the Chief Minister recalled Lord Krishna's Gita message to Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra: 'Among animals, I am the lion.'

Expressing joy that after a long gap of 143 years, lions have naturally started reinhabiting Barda hills, he added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced all necessary support facilities for lion conservation in Barda. Due to the PM's vision and the proactive practices of the Forest Department, the successful conservation story of lions in Gir has gained global recognition.

To ensure that the glory of our 'Vanraj' (Lion King) remains intact and continues to grow in the future, the PM has launched 'Project Lion', covering lion habitat and population management, wildlife health, human-animal conflict, cooperation of local people, tourism development, scientific research and training, eco-development, and biodiversity conservation. He said that under the PM's guidance, wildlife conservation has been prioritised, raising the lion population from 674 to 891, a source of pride for all.

"PM has always considered the conservation of nature, the environment, and animals as our responsibility". Stating this, the Chief Minister added that an emotional and economic bond has developed between the local people and the Gir lions. Over the past two and a half decades, the lion's range has expanded from 3 to 11 districts, nurturing the sentiment among locals: 'If the lion exists, we exist; if we exist, the lion exists.'"

He further stated that recently, a Project Lion document titled 'Lion @2047: Vision for Amrit Kaal' has been released. This Project Lion @2047 will play a significant role in effectively managing the growing lion population, securing and restoring lion habitats, generating employment, and increasing community participation. The government is working for the holistic development of the area alongside the development of wildlife tourism.

Inaugurating development works worth Rs 180 crore for the conservation of forests and wildlife and the development of the tourism sector, the Chief Minister added that in the Barda sanctuary area, a new safari park and tourist facilities will soon be undertaken at a cost of Rs 75 crore. For the protection of wildlife in forest areas, 247 new vehicles are being added to the Forest Department for patrolling, monitoring, and animal rescue operations.

He said an online portal now enables booking of the state's 24 ecotourism sites, which will boost local industries and handicrafts.

Citing the Prime Minister's 'Vocal for Local' call, he urged strengthening the rural economy by buying indigenous goods. Referring to Viksit Bharat @2047, he said that in this Amrit Kaal, under the Prime Minister's leadership, India will swiftly become the world's third-largest economy.

On this occasion, Union Minister for Forest and Environment Bhupender Yadav conveyed best wishes for the inauguration of new habitats and innovative projects of the Forest and Environment Department.

He further added that under the leadership of the PM, the state government has successfully fulfilled its strong commitment to the conservation and protection of wildlife. It is a matter of pride that Asiatic lions are found only in the Gir region of Gujarat.

Under the guidance of the PM for nature conservation and under the leadership of the CM, the state government's dedicated efforts have resulted in a 17 per cent increase in the number of lions. Amid global climate challenges, the PM has given the world a new direction with his action plan for renewable energy and climate change.

He noted the unique bond between Gir's pastoralists and lions as a model of harmony, adding that India's ecocentrism inspires the world. He said that the National Wildlife Board meeting held last year in Sasan, where the PM resolved to boost Gujarat's lion population and develop Barda Sanctuary as a new habitat, has been fulfilled under CM Bhupendra Patel's leadership.

The Union Minister added that due to climate change, problems like heavy rains and cyclones are emerging. To address this, PM has undertaken initiatives such as the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) and the International Solar Alliance. In addition, the 'International Big Cat Alliance' has been established globally. Conservation efforts have been made for five of the seven big cat species that reside in India.

The Prime Minister has advanced multiple projects for wildlife conservation, including Project Lion, Project Tiger, Project Dolphin, and Project Cheetah. Efforts must be made to establish harmonious relationships between humans and nature for nature conservation.

He added that with the re-habitation of lions in Barda Wildlife Sanctuary after many decades, new energy is flowing into Barda's biodiversity, which will boost ecotourism. Prime Minister has initiated 'Mission LiFE' and the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam Abhiyan' to combat climate change. 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam Abhiyan' is the biggest pledge for our lifestyle, our connection with nature, and its protection. He urged everyone to support Viksit Bharat by planting more trees for a prosperous India.

State Forest Minister Mulubhai Bera said World Lion Day is being celebrated outside Gir for the first time at Barda Sanctuary, home to Gujarat's pride, the Asiatic lions.

The Prime Minister's vision and conservation efforts have boosted the state's lion population, with advanced technology used for the first time to count them. After 143 years, lions are reinhabiting Barda Wildlife Sanctuary, located near Timbdi in Bhanvad taluka of Devbhumi Dwarka district. Barda is home to more than 400 medicinal plants, the 6th-century Navlakha Temple, various religious places, and natural waterfalls. As a result, lions have accepted Barda Sanctuary as their second home.

The Chief Minister announced the inauguration and foundation-laying of works and schemes worth Rs 180.12 crore. At Barda Sanctuary, the Chief Minister announced a new safari park, an interpretation center, and tourist facilities over an area of 248 hectares, to be developed at a cost of Rs 75 crore. In addition, breeding centres for herbivore conservation programmes will be built at a cost of Rs 10.96 crore, 137 eco-development works will be carried out in forest settlement villages and eco-sensitive zones at a cost of Rs 7.57 crore, and community development works in 720 villages under the JICA project will be undertaken at a cost of Rs 3562 crore.

Other works include a wildlife rescue center and quick response system at a cost of Rs 7 crore, Swaichhik Sthalantaran Yojana (voluntary relocation scheme) for pastoralists in the Barda area at a cost of Rs 21 crore, 20 residential units and office buildings for frontline staff at a cost of Rs 9.94 crore, caracal conservation in Chadva Rakhal at a cost of Rs 5 crore, insurance and health cover for trackers in the Gir area under CSR at a cost of Rs 65 lakh, and the provision of 3 rescue vehicles, 200 bikes, and 44 utility vehicles for patrolling and monitoring at a cost of Rs 6.98 crore. The booking portal for 24 ecotourism sites was also launched. 

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Daily Astro

03-06-2026

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Aries

Ganesha says it will be an important day for you, Aries. Your energy and confidence are ready to take you to new heights. Today you will be able to express your thoughts with clarity, which will increase your communication skills. New opportunities may arise in the working areas, which you have to be ready to take advantage of. In social life, you can make new meetings, which will prove beneficial for you in the future. This day will be good for solving family issues, and you will be able to establish better relations with your close ones. In the field of health, take care of your routine and resort to yoga or meditation to relieve mental stress. Controlling your expenses will be a smart move, as any sudden financial need may arise. Overall, this day is for you to stay positive, just use your insight and energy properly.

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Pisces

Ganesha says it is going to be a positive day for you. Your sensitivity and intuition will flourish today, allowing you to establish better connections between yourself and others. It is time to connect with someone or refresh old memories. Try to communicate with people close to you, as it will strengthen your relationships. In the field of work, your creativity will be cyclical today. If you are working on a project, your ideas will be new and full of innovation. Do not be afraid to share your ideas, it will give you positive feedback from your colleagues. In terms of financial condition, avoid any big investments. Small expenses will prove to be justified but think well before making any big decisions for the long term. In terms of health, focus on a balanced diet and regular exercise. For mental health, practicing meditation or yoga will help keep you stress-free.

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Aquarius

Ganesha says new opportunities are likely to open up for you. You will be in a position to take your creative abilities to new heights. This is the time to share your ideas and make new plans. Your friends and family will support your ideas, so it will be beneficial to take their advice into account. Positive changes are possible in business. This is the right time to work on an important project. You will get an opportunity to use your skills and knowledge properly. But, be careful; in some cases, you will need to control your emotions. In personal life, relationships will deepen. You will try to spend more time with your loved ones. This is a good time for love and companionship. Enjoy emotional moments that will make your relationships stronger. Be health conscious. Dedication to yoga and meditation will give you mental peace. These activities will keep not only your body but also your mind active. Overall, today will be full of possibilities for you. Stay committed to your dreams and work on them.

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Capricorn

Ganesha says your day is full of some new possibilities. You will experience grace and stability in your actions. This is the time to focus on your goals and work with determination to pursue your plans. You are likely to get success in your work, especially if you maintain your hard work and dedication. Positive changes can also be seen in your relationships. You will get a chance to spend time with family and listen to them, which will increase mutual understanding and depth. Focus on communication, as it will make your relationships stronger. However, it is also time to make monthly plans. Take care of your financial matters and try to save. This is the time when you can take concrete steps for your future. Your health condition is likely to remain normal but take some rest. Maintaining a mental balance will be important for you. Stay positive and keep faith in your actions!

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Sagittarius

Ganesha says today will be full of new possibilities and positive energy for you. You will feel a rise in your confidence, which will keep you open to new opportunities. This is the right time to make an important decision. Your spirituality and intuition will be strong, which will enable you to understand and face difficulties. Spending time with friends and family will awaken a sense of happiness and satisfaction in your mind. Relationships with colleagues at work can take a new direction. Cooperation and communication will help solve problems. If you face an obstacle or challenge, remember that you can overcome it. In terms of health, you may need to make a little improvement in your routine. Regular exercise and a balanced diet will give you freshness and energy. Strengthening social relationships and contacting new people will also be beneficial today. This is the time for self-growth and positive change for you, so recognize the energy within you and use it properly.

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Scorpio

Ganesha says today will be full of enthusiasm and energy. You will move towards achieving your goals, and your hard work will pay off. Social life will also be active; you will get a good chance to spend time with friends and family. In terms of health, take a little caution. Focusing on meditation and exercise will help reduce mental stress. This is also a good time to take up a new hobby, which can unleash your creativity. Take wise steps in terms of money. Make informed decisions while investing. For potential financial gains, take a look at past projects again. Your career is showing good signs of progress. Your ideas may be appreciated at the workplace, which will increase your confidence. Still, some issues may require restraint. Overall, today will prove to be positive and auspicious for you. Spend it with pride with your loved ones.

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Libra

Ganesha says today will be a very auspicious and positive day. You will get a chance to clarify your thoughts, which will bring stability to your personal and professional relationships. Your communication skills will increase, and this will open the doors of new possibilities for you. Your creativity and aesthetic sense will be especially strong today. If you are associated with any art or design, your work will be appreciated. This is the right time to express your feelings. If you are confused about a decision, trust your intuition; it will show you the right path. In terms of health, small changes can make your life better. Focus on regular exercise and a balanced diet. In love and relationships, a new understanding will develop, which will strengthen the mutual bond even more. Overall, this day is a sign of positive changes and new beginnings for you. Stay focused on your goals and recognize your inner strengths.

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Virgo

Ganesha says today is a suitable day to highlight your cognitive abilities and business skills. Today, you will be full of clarity and precision in your actions, which will increase your value among your colleagues and superiors. There is a possibility of bringing some changes to your routine, which will bring positive results for you. This is a good time to improve relations with family members. Try to resolve any old disputes, and keep communication open. In terms of health, meditation and yoga will bring mental peace. Also, take some time out of your routine for exercise. From a financial point of view, this is the right time to make a good plan for the right investment. Take a good look at the options available to you and make a wise decision. Overall, today will prove to be a day of new possibilities and positive changes for you. Be full of confidence and stay focused on your goals.

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Leo

Ganesha says today will be a day full of energy and inspiration. Your confidence will increase and your thoughts will come out with clarity. On this day, you will be able to see some new possibilities in your career, which will bring you hard work. Mutual understanding and harmony will increase your relationship, which will create a happy atmosphere among the family. This is a great time to express your thoughts clearly, so do not hesitate to communicate with your partner or friends. It is important to be health conscious, a little exercise and meditation will maintain your mental and physical health. Overall, this day will bring activity and positivity for you, so make the most of all the opportunities!

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Cancer

Ganesha says it will be a day of information and communication for you. Your mind will be full of ideas and you will be able to express your ideas well. There is a possibility of some new opportunities in professional life, which can prove beneficial for you. It is a good time to strengthen relationships with your colleagues, so work together at the workplace. Your emotional state will also be strong. Time spent with family will give you satisfaction. If you have any old problem going on, then the right time is coming to solve it. However, you need to keep your emotions under control, so that you do not get agitated over small things. In terms of health, try to practice yoga and meditation. It will empower you both mentally and physically. Take informed decisions in financial matters; do not rush into any investments. In summary, this day will be all about communication and cooperation, which will lead to positive changes for you.

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Gemini

Ganesha says there will be a new energy and freshness in your thoughts, which will make your personality even more attractive. Social contacts are likely to increase, which will expand your network. You will be inspired to spend blissful time with your friends and family. Some positive changes can also be seen in the business sector. The results of your hard work will gradually start coming, and this will motivate you to move forward. Keep in mind that while sharing your ideology, work with empathy, this will strengthen your relationship with colleagues. It is important to be health conscious. A little attention and relaxation will give you mental freshness. Practicing yoga or meditation will be beneficial for you. This day will be full of positivity and new possibilities for you. Express your mind openly and do not hesitate to adopt new ideas.

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Taurus

Ganesha says it will prove to be a positive day for you, Taurus. You will feel energetic and full of confidence. The time has come to reap the fruits of your hard work and efforts. The workload may stress you for a while, but you will face all the challenges recognizing your strengths. Sweetness will also remain in your relationships. Spending time with your family and friends will be a source of joy for you. Conversation with someone special can give you a new vision and promote mutual understanding. A special occasion may be organized among friends or family, which will bring happiness and harmony to you. Moments spent with loved ones will give you mental peace. It is important to be health conscious. A little exercise or yoga will give peace to your mind and energy to your body. Your day will be full of happiness and positivity, just keep your thoughts and emotions balanced.

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03-06-2026