Congress vice-president Hira Jotva, son arrested in Rs 7.3 crore MNREGA scam in Gujarat

AHMEDABAD: In a stunning crackdown, Congress Vice-President Hira Jotva and his son Digvijay Jotva have been arrested in connection with a massive Rs 7.30 crore corruption scam linked to MNREGA scheme works across three talukas of Gujarats Bharuch district. The scandal, which triggered the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT), came to light after a formal complaint was lodged at the Bharuch A Division Police Station. Acting swiftly, police late last night brought Hira Jotva from Gir Somnath to Bharuch for questioning. Following hours of intense interrogation, Hira Jotva was arrested alongside Rajesh Taylor, an outsourced employee from the Hansot TDO office. Both are set to be produced in court today and face police remand. In a fresh blow to the Congress camp, Bharuch SP confirmed later this afternoon that Jotvas son, Digvijay, was also taken into custody, deepening the partys crisis as the scam unravels. Bharuch SP Mayur Chavda told the media, During the investigation into the MNREGA scam, it was revealed that although the proprietors of the accused agencies appear to be someone else on paper, the real beneficiaries are Hira Jotva and his associates. They siphoned off government funds with the help of outsourced personnel in government offices and submitted forged documentation. He further added, Hira Jotva and his family members, whose accounts received alleged MNREGA work money, were brought in from Gir Somnath for questioning late last night. Following the interrogation, Bharuch police arrested them. We have also arrested technical operator Rajesh Taylor. Upon examining Hira Jotvas bank records, it became evident that his son, Digvijay Jotva, is also involved. He, too, has been detained from Gir Somnath today. The scandal came to light after the project officer of the Gram Vikas Agency lodged a complaint at the Bharuch A Division Police Station, exposing fraudulent activities by two Veraval-based firms, Jalaram Enterprise and Muralidhar Enterprise. The agencies were contracted to supply materials for MNREGA works but reportedly delivered substandard and insufficient material while inflating quantities, draining the public exchequer. Bharuch Police swiftly constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT), which launched an intensive probe, visiting villages, recording witness statements, and unearthing forged records linked to both agencies. The SIT eventually named Piyush Ratilal Nukani of Jalaram Enterprise and Jodha Naran Sabhad of Muralidhar Enterprise as prime accused, along with several complicit government officials and outsourced staff. As the probe deepened, the SIT found damning links between Congress leader Hira Jotva and the scam-tainted suppliers. Acting on this, police brought Jotva from Gir Somnath to Bharuch late last night for interrogation. He was arrested shortly after. Also held was Rajesh Taylor, an outsourced employee from Hansot TDOs office. Both were produced in court today with police seeking remand. Later, police confirmed the arrest of Jotvas son, Digvijay Jotva, tightening the net around a growing political-corporate nexus exploiting rural employment schemes. The investigation continues, with more arrests likely. Hira Jotva is a prominent face in Gujarat Congress politics. He contested the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from Junagadh and had earlier fought the 2022 Assembly polls from Keshod. He also served as the General Secretary of the Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) from 2019 to 2023 and is currently its Vice-President.

Gujarat Congress Vice President Hira Jotva grilled by police over Rs 7.3 crore MNREGA scam

AHMEDABAD: An assistant project manager has flagged a shocking MNREGA scam worth Rs 7.3 crore across villages in Gujarat's Bharuch district, Amod, Jambusar, and Hansot Taluka. Acting on the complaint, Bharuch police have now summoned Congress leader Hira Jotva from Gir Somnath for questioning. Sources indicate that police may move toward arresting him following the interrogation. The Rs 7.30 crore fraud, spanning 430 development works across 56 villages in Amod, Jambusar, and Hansot talukas, was first flagged on May 30 by a government official from the Gram Vikas Agency, who filed a formal complaint at Bharuchs A Division Police Station. The investigation zeroed in on two Veraval-based firms Shri Jalaram Enterprise and Muralidhar Enterprise contracted for supplying material under MNREGA projects. These agencies allegedly manipulated records, provided substandard material, and bypassed mandatory manual labour by using machines, thereby violating the core principles of the rural employment scheme and causing massive losses to the state exchequer. Police identified Piyush Nukani, owner of Shri Jalaram Enterprise, and Jodhabhai Sabhad, owner of Muralidhar Enterprise, as key players in the racket. Crucially, both are reported to have close ties to senior Congress leader Hira Jotwani a link that has now drawn political attention to the case. Following the FIR, Bharuch SP formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the scandal. The SIT, after recording statements from workers and agency staff, summoned Hira Jotva to Bharuch for questioning regarding his association with the two contractors. Officials are probing whether Jotva played any role in facilitating or shielding the scam. However, at the time of writing, police have not officially declared whether Hira Jotva has been officially arrested or detained. Bharuch Congress Leader Sandeep Mangrola said, Hira Jotva was detained from Gir Somanth, and police are bringing him here at Bharuch for questioning. Hira Jotva is a prominent face in Gujarat Congress politics. He contested the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from Junagadh and had earlier fought the 2022 Assembly polls from Keshod. He also served as the General Secretary of the Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) from 2019 to 2023 and is currently its Vice President. As questioning continues, the police are examining financial trails and political connections to determine the full scale and backing behind the scam. Legal proceedings are underway, and more detentions could follow based on emerging evidence.

Gujarat assembly bypolls : AAP wins Visavadar, BJP retains Kadi seat

AHMEDABAD: AAP leader Gopal Italia won the Visavadar seat, while BJPs Rajendra Chavda bagged Kadi seat on Monday, as counting for bypolls to the two constituencies in Gujarat concluded, officials said. Italia, the former Gujarat president of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), defeated his nearest rival, BJP candidate Kirit Patel, in Visavadar seat of Junagadh []

Bypoll results: UDF wins in Kerala, TMC ahead in Bengal, AAP and BJP secure one seat each in Gujarat

By-elections to assembly seats in Gujarat, Punjab, West Bengal, and Kerala on Monday delivered mixed results, with AAP gaining ground, TMC set to retain its seat in Bengal, and the Congress-led UDF scoring a key victory in Kerala. Kerala: UDF snatches Nilambur seat In a severe blow to the Pinarayi Vijayan-led LDF government in Kerala, the opposition UDF on Monday surged ahead in the Nilambur Assembly by-election and was on the verge of victory as counting neared completion. UDF candidate Aryadan Shoukath, son of Congress veteran Aryadan Muhammed, secured a lead of 11,077 votes over CPI(M)s M Swaraj. The bypoll was widely seen as a mid-term referendum on the LDF government. Independent candidate P V Anvar, the former legislator whose resignation triggered the bypoll, surprised many with his strong performance, securing over 18,000 votes. The BJP candidate, Mohan George, lagged far behind. Celebrations erupted in Nilambur and across the UDF camp, with Congress leaders hailing the result as a sign of growing public support ahead of the 2026 assembly elections. UDF candidate Aryadan Shoukath wins Nilambur bypoll by a margin of over 11000 votes West Bengal: TMC comfortably ahead in Kaliganj In West Bengals Kaliganj assembly seat, TMC candidate Alifa Ahamed, daughter of the late MLA Nasiruddin Ahamed, was leading by over 29,749 votes after 13 rounds of counting. TMC candidate Alifa Ahamed secured 59,329 votes, while her nearest rival, BJP nominee Ashis Ghosh 29,580. Congress candidate Kabil Uddin Shaikh, backed by the CPI(M), slipped to the third position with 19,516 votes, election officials said. The bypoll was held following the death of Nasiruddin Ahamed in February. Voting saw a turnout of 69.85 per cent and remained largely peaceful. Voting for the by-election was held on Thursday, with a voter turnout of 69.85 per cent recorded till 5 pm. Barring a few isolated incidents, voting remained largely peaceful. Punjab: AAP edges ahead in Ludhiana West In Punjabs Ludhiana West, AAPs Sanjeev Arora was leading by 2,286 votes over Congress Bharat Bhushan Ashu after six of the 14 counting rounds. The BJPs Jiwan Gupta was in the third position, followed by Shiromani Akali Dals Parupkar Singh Ghuman. The by-election was necessitated by the death of AAP MLA Gurpreet Bassi Gogi earlier this year. Voter turnout for the seat stood at 51.33 per cent, a significant drop from the 64 per cent registered in the 2022 assembly elections. Gujarat: AAP wins Visavadar seat, BJP holds Kadi AAP leader Gopal Italia won the Visavadar seat, while BJP's Rajendra Chavda bagged Kadi seat on Monday, as counting for bypolls to the two constituencies in Gujarat concluded, officials said. Italia, the former Gujarat president of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), defeated his nearest rival, BJP candidate Kirit Patel, in Visavadar seat of Junagadh district by a margin of 17,554 votes. While Italia received 75,942 votes, Patel got 58,388 votes after the end of total 21 rounds of counting, as per the data shared by the Election Commission. BJP leaders earlier said they were hoping to break the 18-year jinx in Visavadar, where the party last tasted victory in 2007. Meanwhile, in the SC-reserved Kadi seat, BJP candidate Rajendra Chavda was leading by over 35,000 votes against Congress' Ramesh Chavda after 16 rounds of counting. The seat fell vacant following the death of BJP MLA Karsan Solanki in February. In Kadi seat of Mehsana district, reserved for the Scheduled Caste candidates, BJP's Rajendra Chavda emerged victorious by a margin of 39,452 votes over Congress' Ramesh Chavda after the end of all 22 rounds of counting. While Rajendra Chavda received 99,742 votes, former Congress MLA Ramesh Chavda managed to secure 60,290 votes. (With inputs from PTI)

Ahmedabad plane crash: DNA matches confirmed for 251 victims, 245 bodies handed over to families

AHMEDABAD: In a recent development following the Ahmedabad plane crash, Civil Hospital Superintendent Dr Rakesh Joshi announced that DNA samples of 251 deceased victims have been successfully matched. Thus far, the mortal remains of 245 individuals have been handed over to their grieving families, with the remaining six to be returned in the coming days. Dr Joshi, addressing the media, shared that the 245 bodies released include 176 Indian nationals, 49 British citizens, 7 Portuguese nationals, one Canadian, and 12 non-passengers. The extensive identification process marks a critical step towards closure for hundreds of devastated families. Ahmedabad plane crash: Crew member's mortal remains reach Manipur, thousands pay tributes Providing a district-wise breakdown, Dr Joshi stated that bodies have been returned to families from the following regions: Ahmedabad (70), Vadodara (24), Anand (26), Udaipur (7), Kheda (11), Mehsana (7), Surat (12), Bharuch (7), Gandhinagar (7), Diu (14), Gir Somnath (5), Rajkot (3), Patan (3), Junagadh (1), Amreli (2), Bhavnagar (1), Botad (1), Mahisagar (1), Aravalli (2), Palanpur (1), Jamnagar (2), Dwarka (2), Sabarkantha (1), Modasa (1), Khambhat (2), Nadiad (1), Patna (1), Mumbai (10), Pune (1), Maharashtra (2), Rajasthan (2), Jodhpur (1), London (10), and Manipur (1). He emphasised that the DNA matching process is both highly sensitive and bound by strict legal protocols. Every identification has been carried out with the utmost precision and care. Agencies such as Forensic Science University, alongside the local administration, health departments, and various state and central authorities, are working tirelessly to ensure that the mortal remains are returned with dignity and respect. This coordinated and relentless effort underscores the authorities commitment to providing a measure of solace and closure in the wake of an immense tragedy.

Ahmedabad plane crash: 223 DNA matches confirmed, 204 bodies handed over to families

AHMEDABAD: DNA samples of 223 victims of the Air India plane crash have been successfully matched, and 204 bodies have been handed over to families as of 11:50 am on June 20, according to Civil Hospital Superintendent Dr Rakesh Joshi. The Civil Hospital authorities have intensified the efforts to identify and return the remaining bodies. Meanwhile, two patients under treatment at the Civil Hospital succumbed to their injuries. Their bodies have been handed over to their families, bringing the total count of bodies handed over to 204 from the Civil Hospital alone. Breaking down the identification further, Dr Joshi confirmed that the 223 matched victims comprise 168 Indian nationals, 7 Portuguese, 36 British citizens, 1 Canadian, and 11 non-passengers - local residents who were tragically caught in the crash zone. Several international, domestic Air India flights cancelled due to operational reasons Logistics have played a critical role in the aftermath, with 15 bodies airlifted and 189 transported by road, according to Dr Joshi. The mortal remains have been sent to various Indian states and several foreign countries. Ahmedabad received the highest number, with 58 bodies, followed by Vadodara (21), Surat (11), Udaipur (7), Mumbai (9), Diu (14), and Kheda (11). Others were sent to Mehsana (6), Gandhinagar (6), Rajkot (3), Jamnagar (2), Patan (2), Dwarka (2), Aravalli (2), and London (2). Single bodies were transported to locations including Botad, Jodhpur, Anand, Palanpur, Maharashtra, Junagadh, Amreli, Gir Somnath, Mahisagar, Bhavnagar, Patna, Nadiad, Sabarkantha, Nagaland, and Modasa. Madurai-bound Indigo flight returns after mid-air 'snag,' say officials

5 Assembly bypolls in 4 states largely peaceful; Nilambur in Kerala records 73 pc turnout

LUDHIANA/AHMEDABAD: Bypolls were held in five Assembly segments across Punjab, West Bengal, Gujarat and Kerala on Thursday, with the Nilambur seat in Kerala registering a voter turnout of 73.26 per cent, and Ludiana West in Punjab recording a polling percentage of 51.33 per cent. The polling that commenced at 7 am and concluded at 6 pm was largely peaceful, with the exception of a few isolated incidents, officials said. While the deaths of the incumbent MLAs necessitated the bypolls in one seat each in Gujarat, West Bengal and Punjab, the resignation of two legislators led to the polling in Kerala and another seat in Gujarat. The counting of votes for all the seats will be taken up on June 23. Nilambur in Kerala saw a steady turnout through the day, recording a turnout of 73.26 per cent, according to the latest figures released by the Election Commission, which said the numbers might be updated later. In the 2021 assembly polls, the turnout in Nilambur was 75.20 per cent. People came out in good numbers at the 263 polling booths across the constituency, which has over 2.32 lakh voters. Among the 10 contestants, the key contenders are ruling LDF's pick M Swaraj, Aryadan Shoukath of the Congress-led UDF, TMC state convenor and Independent nominee P V Anvar and Mohan George of the BJP-led NDA. Anvar, whose resignation as the MLA from Nilambur necessitated the bypoll, claimed that neither of the three fronts -- UDF, LDF and NDA -- discussed local issues like wild-animal attacks during their campaigns. Presently the state convener of the TMC, Anvar resigned as the MLA after severing ties with the CPI(M)-led LDF over certain allegations levelled by him against Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his close aides. The final voter list includes 1,13,613 men, 1,18,760 women, and 8 transgender persons, with 7,787 first-time voters, 373 overseas voters, and 324 service voters. In Gujarat, the Visavadar seat in Junagadh district recorded a poll percentage of 56.89, and Kadi in Mehsana district saw a voter turnout of 57.90 per cent, officials said. The state government declared a public holiday on Thursday in both the constituencies. The BJP, Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) fielded their candidates in the two seats. The Visavadar seat was lying vacant since December 2023 after then AAP legislator Bhupendra Bhayani resigned and joined the BJP. The Kadi seat, reserved for Scheduled Caste (SC) candidates, fell vacant on February 4 following the death of BJP MLA Karsan Solanki. Till 5 pm, 41 complaints were received from citizens through the C-Vigil app, out of which 34 were resolved within 100 minutes, officials said. In Visavadar, BJP candidate Kirit Patel and Congress nominee Nitin Ranpariya cast their votes in the early hours. The AAP has fielded its former Gujarat president, Gopal Italia, from Visavadar. He is not registered as a voter in the constituency. Despite its near-total dominance in the state, the BJP has not won the Visavadar seat since 2007. Party leaders are hopeful of overcoming the 18-year jinx this time. In the 2022 Assembly polls, Bhayani defeated BJP's Harshad Ribadiya, a Congress turncoat and former MLA, by 7,063 votes. The BJP has fielded Rajendra Chavda from Kadi, while the Congress has given ticket to former MLA Ramesh Chavda. Chavda won the seat in 2012, but lost it to the BJP's Karsanbhai Solanki in 2017. Like Visavadar, Kadi will also witness a three-way fight, with the AAP fielding Jagdish Chavda. In the 182-member Gujarat Assembly, the BJP has 161 legislators, the Congress 12 and the AAP four. While one seat is with the Samajwadi Party, two are with independents. The bypoll to the Ludhiana West Assembly seat in Punjab recorded a turnout of 51.33 per cent, a sharp drop from the 64 per cent polling registered in the 2022 Assembly elections, officials said. The polling, which remained peaceful, sealed the fate of 14 candidates in the fray for the urban constituency, which fell vacant after the death of AAP MLA Gurpreet Bassi Gogi in January. The bypoll's outcome will throw light on the popularity of the AAP regime's policies and programmes among the urban voters of the constituency. Stakes are also high for the Congress, the main opposition party that won the seat six times in the past. Prestige is at stake for the BJP and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) as well. AAP candidate Sanjeev Arora exercised his franchise along with his family members in the morning, and later paid obeisance at a gurdwara, a temple and the Dargah Pir in Phillaur. Congress candidate Bharat Bhushan Ashu, BJP nominee Jiwan Gupta and SAD's Parupkar Singh Ghuman also cast their votes. A total of 1,75,469 voters were eligible to exercise their franchise, including 85,371 women and 10 belonging to the third gender. The voting process was monitored real-time from the integrated command and control centre at the district administrative complex. A total of 235 CCTV cameras were installed at the polling stations, officials said. At Kaliganj in West Bengal's Nadia district, a voter turnout of 69.85 per cent was recorded till 5 pm. Polling has been peaceful. There was no report of any incident from anywhere in and around the constituency. Till 5 pm, the polling was 69.85 per cent, an election official told PTI. Sources said the polling percentage may go up as there were queues outside the polling booths. The bypoll was necessitated by the death of Trinamool Congress MLA Nasiruddin Ahamed in February. The ruling party has fielded his daughter, Alifa Ahamed, for the bypoll. The BJP has nominated Ashis Ghosh for the contest, while Congress candidate Kabil Uddin Shaikh is in the fray with the support of the CPI(M). Fourteen companies of central forces were deployed across the constituency to ensure free-and-fair polling. Minor tension was reported from a few booths. At Chandghar Adarsha Vidyapith's booth No. 56, the Congress alleged that its polling agent was forcibly removed by Trinamool workers, an allegation denied by the ruling party. BJP nominee Ghosh alleged that officials deliberately applied indelible ink on his middle finger instead of the index finger under the insistence of Trinamool agents. First, they missed putting the ink on my finger when I went to vote. Then, after I noticed it and returned, they deliberately marked my middle finger. This is a pre-planned political conspiracy by the TMC, Ghosh alleged. Poll officials confirmed that no rules were violated but said they have sought a report from the district magistrate regarding the incident. The Election Commission said webcasting was done at all but one polling station of the five seats. A total of 1,354 polling stations were set up for the bypolls and webcasting was held at 1,353 of them, the poll authority said. This was also the first time that the EC provided a mobile-phone deposit facility to the voters. The deposit centres were set up outside the polling stations. So far, no such facility was available and some voters hid phones in their clothes and carried those inside the polling stations, which is against rules.

Gujarat: Junagadhs Sakkarbaug Zoo leads nation in Indian Grey Wolf conservation success - The News Mill

Gujarat: Junagadhs Sakkarbaug Zoo leads nation in Indian Grey Wolf conservation success The News Mill

Gujarat: Junagadh's Sakkarbaug Zoo leads nation in Indian Grey Wolf conservation success - ANI News

Gujarat: Junagadh's Sakkarbaug Zoo leads nation in Indian Grey Wolf conservation success ANI News

Ahmedabad plane crash: DNA of 211 victims matched; 189 bodies handed over to families

AHMEDABAD: In a significant update on the Ahmedabad plane crash tragedy, DNA samples of 211 deceased individuals have been successfully matched, and 189 bodies have been handed over to their respective families, according to officials. Civil Hospital Superintendent Dr Rakesh Joshi shared the details during a media briefing, emphasizing the coordinated effort between forensic teams, hospital staff, and law enforcement. Of the remaining cases, eight families are expected to claim the mortal remains of their loved ones in the coming days, while two families are scheduled to accept the bodies by tomorrow. Additionally, 11 families are still awaiting DNA matches of their other relatives, indicating that the process of closure remains ongoing for many. Providing a breakdown of nationalities, Dr. Joshi stated that among the 189 confirmed deceased, 142 are Indian citizens, 32 are from the UK, seven are Portuguese nationals, one is Canadian, and seven individuals were non-passengers, whose presence near the crash site turned tragic. In a detailed media briefing, Dr. Joshi confirmed that 189 bodies have been handed over to families so far, while DNA samples of 211 deceased individuals have been successfully matched. He noted that eight more families are expected to receive the mortal remains of their relatives in the coming days, while two families will accept the remains by tomorrow. However, the process is not yet complete - 11 families are still awaiting the DNA match of a second relative, highlighting the continued emotional wait for full closure. Providing further insight, he explained the nationality distribution of the 189 deceased: 142 were Indian citizens, 32 were British nationals, 7 were from Portugal, 1 was Canadian, and 7 were non-passengerspeople who were tragically caught in the disaster despite not being on the flight. Dr Joshi also offered a detailed breakdown of the geographical origin of those whose bodies have been handed over. These include seven from Udaipur, 20 from Vadodara, 10 from Kheda, 55 from Ahmedabad, six from Mehsana, one each from Botad, Jodhpur, Patan, Junagadh, Mahisagar, Bhavnagar, and Patna, two each from Aravalli, Maharashtra, Amreli, Jamnagar, Dwarka, and London, 16 from Anand, five from Bharuch, 11 from Surat, six from Gandhinagar, 14 from Diu, three from Rajkot, nine from Mumbai, one each from Nadiad, Sabarkantha, and Nagaland. He emphasised that the process of DNA matching is both legally sensitive and scientifically complex, requiring meticulous attention. Due to these constraints, the identification is being carried out with utmost seriousness and urgency. To expedite the process, teams from the Forensic Science University, local administrations, state health departments, and multiple central and state agencies are working round the clock. Their collective efforts aim to ensure that the mortal remains are returned to families as quickly and respectfully as possible, offering a measure of peace amid a tragedy that has shaken families across India and abroad.

Ahmedabad plane crash: 190 DNA matches confirmed, 157 bodies handed over

AHMEDABAD: Six days after the devastating Ahmedabad plane crash, the sole survivor Vishwas Kumar has been discharged from the hospital in stable condition, confirmed Dr. Rakesh Joshi, Civil Hospital Superintendent. Kumar's family, who had flown in from the UK, was present at his side. The body of Kumar's brother, who was killed in the crash, was handed over to the family at 2 am on the same day, and a funeral was held for him in Diu. As of now, DNA samples of 190 deceased individuals have been successfully matched. In a detailed briefing, Dr. Joshi stated that 157 bodies have already been handed over to their respective families, with the identification and release process still underway for the remaining. He noted that five families are expected to collect the bodies of their loved ones soon, while the hospital remains in contact with 10 families. Meanwhile, 15 families are waiting for DNA matches of additional relatives, and the identification process is ongoing for three others. Dr. Joshi also revealed a detailed breakdown of the nationalities among the deceased whose bodies have been identified: 123 Indian nationals, 27 British citizens, 4 Portuguese nationals, 1 Canadian citizen, and 4 non-passengers. In terms of geographical distribution, he reported that the bodies handed over include: Ahmedabad (48), Vadodara (18), Kheda (10), Anand (11), Gandhinagar (6), Surat (6), Mehsana (5), Udaipur (6), Bharuch (5), Gir Somnath (5), Diu (12), Mahisagar (1), Bhavnagar (1), Patan (1), Botad (1), Aravalli (2), Jodhpur (1), Junagadh (1), Amreli (1), Rajkot (2), Nadiad (1), Dwarka (2), Sabarkantha (1), Mumbai (7), London (2), Patna (1), and Maharashtra (2).

Air India crash: 87 victims identified by DNA tests, 47 bodies handed over to kin

AHMEDABAD: Four days after the horrific crash of an Air India plane in Ahmedabad claimed 270 lives, 87 victims have so far been identified through DNA matching and 47 bodies have been handed over to their families, officials said on Monday. Authorities are carrying out DNA tests to establish the identity of the victims since many of the bodies were charred beyond recognition or damaged otherwise after the plane crash on June 12. Till now, 87 DNA samples have been matched, and 47 bodies have already been handed over to the respective families. These deceased were from different parts of Gujarat, such as Bharuch, Anand, Junagadh, Bhavnagar, Vadodara, Kheda, Mehsana, Arvalli and Ahmedabad districts, additional civil superintendent Dr Rajnish Patel told reporters. No clarity yet on identity of 18 Air India crash victims The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner with 242 persons on board crashed into a medical college complex in Ahmedabad moments after taking off from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1:39 pm on June 12. While 241 persons on board the London-bound aircraft died, one passenger miraculously survived . Besides, 29 persons are reported to have died in the disaster on the ground, which includes five MBBS students . AUW! Could Air India Flight AI-171's weight have doomed it?

Pakistan Still Shows Junagadh On Its Map Despite Losing 1948 Vote; Here's The Nawab's Condition Now

On February 20, 1948, a referendum was held in Junagadh. Of 201,457 voters, 190,870 cast ballotsonly 91 voted for Pakistan, reaffirming the state's merger with India

BJP, Congress and AAP lock horns in high-stakes bypolls in Gujarat

AHMEDABAD: In a high-stakes political showdown, North Gujarats Kadi and Saurashtras Visavadar assembly by-elections are set for a three-cornered contest, as candidates from the BJP, Congress, and AAP filed their nominations on the final day. On Sunday night, the BJP announced Rajendra Chavda and Kirit Patel for Kadi and Visavadar, respectively, setting the stage for a fierce battle. Congress responded by fielding former MLA Ramesh Chavda in Kadi and Bhesan Taluka president Nitin Ranpariya in Visavadar, aiming to reclaim the lost ground. Meanwhile, the Aam Aadmi Party is banking on heavyweight Gopal Italia and Jagdish Chavda to make inroads in Kadi and Visavadar, adding intensity to the electoral turf war. In a fierce political buildup, the by-elections have ignited a triangular clash with the BJP, Congress, and AAP unveiling heavyweight candidates backed by caste equations and political legacy. The BJP has made a decisive move in Visavadar by fielding Kirit Babulal Patel -- a prominent Patidar face with deep organisational roots -- as its candidate. Patel, an engineering graduate and agriculture-construction entrepreneur, filed his nomination today in the presence of party veterans, signalling BJPs aggressive intent. Patels rsum reads like a BJP loyalists blueprint -- former Youth BJP President (Junagadh), current Junagadh District BJP President, and Chairman of Junagadh District Co-operative Bank. His command over the rural Patidar vote bank in Visavadar makes him a formidable challenger. Meanwhile, the Congress has countered with Nitin Ranpariya, Bhesan Taluka Congress President, banking on agrarian issues and opposition to the eco-sensitive zone to galvanize support. Adding fire to the fray, AAP has placed its bets on Gopal Italia, a fiery Leuva Patidar youth icon. Italia, who once gained notoriety for hurling a sandal at the then Home Minister, bring in aggressive activism and a controversial past. Though defeated in the 2022 Katargam battle by a margin of over 64,000 votes, AAP sees him as a disruptor in Visavadar, a Patidar-stronghold constituency historically dominated by Leuva Patidar candidates. In Kadi, BJP has fielded 66-year-old Rajendra Kumar Chavda, a veteran with decades of Sangh roots, a BA in Economics, and a long track record in local politics including jail term during the 1980s anti-inflation protests. Congress has responded with Rameshbhai Maganbhai Chavda, a seasoned former MLA with a legal background and a strong local base in Rohitwas. Meanwhile, AAP's Jagdish Chavda, a Dalit leader from Khaval and state SC president, enters the fray riding on grassroots activism and social justice narratives. With nomination filings concluding today, all three parties have now turned their focus toward full-scale campaigning in what promises to be a volatile, caste-sensitive by-election season in Gujarat.

Rs 7.3 crore MGNREGA scam uncovered in Bharuch amid growing Gujarat rural job scheme crisis

AHMEDABAD: The corruption in the implementation of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) continues to deepen in Gujarat. Following massive irregularities unearthed in Dahod, Panchmahal, and Narmada districts, Bharuch has now been added to the list exposing yet another multi-crore scam under the Central governments flagship employment scheme for the rural poor. According to a police complaint filed at Bharuch A Division, a staggering Rs 7.30 crore has been siphoned off through fraudulent practices across 56 villages in the talukas of Amod, Jambusar, and Hansot. Officials say the fraud stems from collusion between contractors and government personnel. The First Information Report (FIR), lodged at Bharuch A Division Police Station on Friday, 30 May 2025, names two firms Muralidhar Enterprise and Jalaram Enterprise accused of gross irregularities in executing clay-metal road works across 11 villages, covering projects from January 20, 2023, to the present. Citing a technical audit, the FIR notes, In each of the 11 villages, despite road lengths being consistent, the agencies arbitrarily segmented the roads into different parts averaging 236 metres per segment violating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and government-prescribed criteria. The complaint further alleges that the contractors failed to meet material specifications. According to the FIR, They did not use metal of the required thickness, failed to incorporate quarry spoil, and did not supply the approved construction materials. Instead, they fraudulently inflated material usage figures and generated bogus bills. The scale of the fraud was significant. Knowing the bills were fabricated, the FIR states, Muralidhar Enterprise claimed Rs 13,05,676.51 and Jalaram Enterprise claimed Rs 6,58,898.89. Both amounts were processed and disbursed as genuine, leading to wrongful gains totalling Rs 19,64,575.40 by the contractors. However, the fraud was not limited to private entities alone. The FIR delivers damning accusations against government personnel, asserting a broader, premeditated conspiracy. Although both agencies were only authorised to supply materials, the complaint reads, government officers, employees, and contractual staff colluded with them, bypassing MGNREGAs e-Gram Panchayat protocols. They undertook mechanical construction of roads and submitted fake work proposals. The fallout, as revealed in the FIR, is massive: This collusion led to the embezzlement of public property, submission of fraudulent proposals, misappropriation of funds, and ultimately, a loss of Rs 7.3 crore to the state exchequer across 56 villages in Bharuch taluka. The FIR concludes by framing the act as a breach of trust and criminal deception against the government, accusing all involved of orchestrating deep-rooted financial irregularities under the pretense of rural development. The Congress party has launched a fierce attack on BJP leaders and the ruling government, directly linking them to the widening MGNREGA scam in Gujarat. We submitted a written plea to the TDO and DDO two years ago, but it was ignored, said GPCC State General Secretary Sandeep Singh Mangrola. BJP leaders are involved, so no fair probe is happening. If a real investigation takes place, it will reach Gandhinagar. We demand a SIT under judicial oversight to probe MGNREGA scams across Gujarat. Opposition Leader Amit Chavda first exposed a Rs 250 crore MGNREGA scam in Devgadhbaria and Dhanpur, Dahod. Subsequent probes confirmed Rs 71 crore siphoned off, implicating firms linked to Minister Bachu Khabars sons, both arrested. Next, Congress revealed a Rs 109 crore fraud in Jambughoda, implicating BJP-linked agencies. Then came AAP MLA Chaitar Vasava, uncovering a scam in Narmada, tied to a Congress leader from Junagadh. Now, Bharuch joins the growing list of districts tainted by the MGNREGA scam trail.

Gujarats Asiatic lion count leaps from 674 to 891 in five years

AHMEDABAD: In a major conservation milestone, Gujarats Asiatic lion population has soared to 891 a sharp 32.2% jump (from 674) since 2020, with 217 new lions added in just five years. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel announced the surge on Wednesday, unveiling results from the 16th Asiatic Lion Census conducted earlier this month. The latest figures signal a resounding success for Gujarats wildlife conservation efforts, reaffirming the states position as the last natural habitat of the endangered species. PM Modi praised the effort of Gujarat government. The big cats, once largely confined to Gir National Park, are now sprawling across 11 districts of the Saurashtra region including non-forested and coastal zones, a testament to their expanding territory and rising numbers. The number of lions in the state has gradually increased not just because of favorable geography and climate, but due to our government's consistent and careful approach to wildlife conservation, said the Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. Providing a detailed account, he noted, There were 327 lions in 2001, 359 in 2005, 411 in 2010, 523 in 2015, and 674 in 2020. Today, the lion population stands at 891. He further credited the shift in census methodology to Prime Minister Narendra Modis leadership, saying, As Chief Minister, Shri Narendrabhai Modi introduced the 'Total Count by Direct Sighting at Block System' method, replacing the traditional estimation model. Prime Minister praised the effort. Very exciting information! It's truly gratifying to see that the efforts under 'Project Lion' are creating a favorable environment and ensuring the protection of lions in Gujarat, the Prime Minister posted on social media platform X. The 2020 census had pegged the number at 674, all within Gir and surrounding areas. The latest count reveals not just a population boom but also a major geographical shift: 507 lions were spotted outside Girs boundaries, while 384 remain within the traditional sanctuary limits, according to Jaipal Singh, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests. The lion stronghold now includes protected areas like Pania, Mitiyala, Girnar, and Barda sanctuaries. Notably, 17 lions were recorded in Barda, just 15 km from Porbandar, while Bhavnagar district reported the largest single pride 17 lions in one group. The demographic breakdown, provided by the Gujarat Forest Department, estimates 196 males, 330 females, 140 sub-adults, and 225 cubs, painting a robust picture of the species health and future. This extensive wildlife mapping was the result of a meticulous four-day census conducted from May 10 to 13 across 58 talukas, covering 35,000 sq km. The operation, carried out in two phases, involved over 3,000 volunteers including forest officials, enumerators, and inspectors. For the first time, officials deployed a refined method known as direct beat verification, praised for its near-zero margin of error and 100% accuracy, made possible by hi-tech tools like camera traps, high-resolution imaging, GPS tracking, and radio collars. The lion census, conducted every five years, documented key data like time of sighting, direction of movement, physical identifiers, and precise GPS coordinates. The 11 districts where lions were sighted are: Junagadh, Gir Somnath, Bhavnagar, Rajkot, Morbi, Surendranagar, Devbhoomi Dwarka, Jamnagar, Amreli, Porbandar, and Botad. This dramatic expansion of habitat and population underscores both the resilience of the Asiatic lion and the rigorous conservation efforts undertaken by the Gujarat Forest Department a rare ecological triumph in the modern era. CENSUS SNAPSHOT (20012025): 2001: 327 2005: 359 2010: 411 2015: 523 2020: 674 2025: 891 Territory Expands Beyond Gir: Lions now roam 11 districts, including: Junagadh | Bhavnagar | Porbandar | Jamnagar Even in coastal & non-forested zones 507 lions spotted outside Gir Sanctuary 384 within core Gir zone Habitat Hotspots: Barda Sanctuary: 17 lions Bhavnagar: 17 lions in one pride Pania | Mitiyala | Girnar | Population Breakdown: Males: 196 Females: 330 Sub-adults: 140 Cubs: 225 High-Tech Census, Near-Zero Error: 3,000+ field staff 35,000 sq km covered 58 talukas, 4 days Tools: GPS, camera traps, radio collars Direct Beat Verification used for first time

Ahmedabad Diary | Unsigned pamphlet upsets Congress apple cart

Rahul Gandhis plans to revamp the Congress setup in Gujarat have run into rough weather. An anonymous pamphlet has emerged accusing top party leaders Himmatsinh Patel and Shailesh Parmar of having a clandestine pact with the BJP. Though Gandhi has been pushing for a structural overhaul, the development has thrown a spanner in the works. The scandal has already triggered a political storm. Though Patel has dismissed all allegations as a BJP conspiracy, the Congress high command has ordered disciplinary measures. Much to Rahuls chagrin, the much-anticipated Gujarat Congress reset hangs in the balance now. High drama at party office over funds misuse The Gujarat Congress just cant catch a break! Of late, the party has been running into one hurdle after another. Sparks flew during the process to select the Ahmedabad city president on Friday. Party members saw red when the nephew of a senior party leader accused workers of mishandling booth funds in the presence of Gujarat in-charge BK Hariprasad. High drama ensued as the enraged party leaders and workers confronted him over the brazen allegation and lodged a strong protest. Up in arms, the party workers only relented after an apology was issued to them. However, the episode has left the party leadership with egg on its face. Vaghelas party enters the contest for Visavadar Gujarat politics is heating up ahead of the Visavadar bypoll. After AAP, Congress, and the BJP, Shankersinh Vaghelas Praja Shakti Democratic Party has thrown its hat in the ring. This comes shortly after Vaghela held a key meeting in Junagadh, signalling his commitment to politics. AAP and the Congress are contesting the poll independently, with the latter refusing any alliance. Meanwhile, the BJP is holding its cards close to the chest. The saffron party has yet to declare a candidate. It may be recalled that AAPs Bhupat Bhayani, who had won the Visavadar seat in 2022, later crossed over to the BJP. Political veterans are set to shape this electoral battle. Dilip Singh Kshatriya Our correspondent in Gujarat dilipsingh@newindianexpress.com

Four Indian Grey Wolves Trans-Located From Gujarat To Jambu Zoo

JAMMU, Apr 17: Department of Wildlife Protection is delighted to announce the successful translocation of two pairs of Indian Grey Wolves to Jambu Zoo. The wolves were donated by Sakkarbaug Zoological Park, Junagadh, Gujarat in exchange for one pair of leopard cats from Jambu Zoo. The transportation was facilitated by Indian Railways, ensuring a smooth and safe journey for the wolves via Veterinary Passenger Units (VPU). Throughout the transit, utmost care was taken to minimize stress and ensure the well-being [] The post Four Indian Grey Wolves Trans-Located From Gujarat To Jambu Zoo appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

'Unruly' Gujarat Congress MLA evicted from assembly after he corners govt over illegal mining

Gujarat Congress MLA Vimal Chudasama was evicted from the state assembly after protesting against the government's inaction on illegal mining in Junagadh. Speaker Shankar Chaudhary ordered his eviction for disrupting proceedings and displaying a critical poster. Chudasama claimed officials ignored his evidence of illegal mining activities.

Gujarat shuts 54 government primary schools across 33 districts as student numbers plunge

AHMEDABAD: The Gujarat government informed the Assembly on February 25, 2025, that 54 government primary schools across 33 districts had been shut down in the past two years due to plummeting student enrollment. The disclosure, made by Primary, Secondary, and Adult Education Minister, came in response to a question by Congress MLA Kirit Patel (Patan), exposing a deepening education crisis in the state. Schools Vanishing Across Districts Devbhoomi Dwarka led the shutdowns with nine closures, followed by Aravalli (7), Amreli (6), and Porbandar (6)each grappling with a sharp decline in student numbers. Junagadh recorded four closures, while Chhota Udepur, Kutch, and Rajkot saw three schools shut down each, signaling the widespread impact. Kheda, Jamnagar, and Navsari followed with two closures per district, further tightening the noose on struggling institutions. The crisis didnt spare Bhavnagar, Dang, Gir Somnath, Mahesana, Panchmahal, Surat, and Surendranagar, each losing one primary school, underscoring a grim picture of shrinking educational access. Single-Classroom Schools and Crumbling Infrastructure Beyond school closures, infrastructure woes continue to haunt Gujarats education system. In February 2024, the government admitted in the Assembly that 341 primary schools were operating with just one room, responding to a query from Congress MLA Shailesh Parmar. Justifying the appalling conditions, officials blamed low student and teacher numbers, arguing that fewer classrooms were necessary. However, the situation is exacerbated by the demolition of dilapidated rooms, with authorities citing a lack of available land as the reason new classrooms cannot be built, leaving students crammed into single-room facilities with no solution in sight. 1,606 Schools Run with Just One Teacher In another shocking disclosure on February 12, 2024, the Gujarat government admitted in the Assembly that 1,606 of the state's 32,000 government primary schools were running with only one teacher handling all students from Classes 1 to 8. The staggering figure highlights a severe staffing crisis in Gujarats education system, where thousands of students struggle for basic instruction in understaffed schools. Playgrounds Vanishing, Holistic Development at Risk The infrastructure crisis doesnt stop at classrooms. The government further revealed that 5,012 government primary schools across Gujarat lack a playground, depriving students of crucial recreational space. The situation in secondary and higher secondary schools is equally alarming, with 78 government, 315 grant-in-aid, and 255 private institutions operating without playgrounds, despite Gujarat housing around 12,700 such schools. Even private institutions are not spared, as 37 grant-in-aid and 509 private primary schools also lack on-campus playgrounds, highlighting a systemic neglect of student development. With shrinking school infrastructure, collapsing student enrollment, and teacher shortages, Gujarats education sector is facing one of its most severe crises in recent history.

AAP names Gopal Italia as candidate for Visavadar Assembly bypoll; EC to yet announce date

The Visavadar seat in Junagadh district, which has been lying vacant since December 2023 when Bhupendra Bhayani resigned as the AAP MLA and joined the ruling BJP

Ahmedabad Diary | Ex-Congress strategist targets Rahul in House

Arjun Modhwadia, once a Congress strategist and close aide of Ahmed Patel and now a BJP MLA from Porbandar, targeted Rahul Gandhi in the Gujarat Assembly on Tuesday. Modhwadia accused Rahul of insulting India abroad and Congressmen at home, claiming he sees Gujarat Congress leaders as either racehorses or wedding horses but has failed to recognise the difference between a horse and a rider even after years in politics. He went further, saying Rahul doesnt understand Gujarat politics and that Congress is now unfit to be an opposition party. Junagadh MP in BJP state president race? The BJPs search for a new state president has been dragging on, with names surfacing and fading in quick succession. Now, Junagadh MP Rajesh Chudasama has entered the fray. The buzz? BJP is keen on an OBC leader to take the reins. Young and politically seasoned, Chudasama has a one-term MLA and three-term MP track record. His credentials dont stop therehe recently defeated Congress MLA Vimal Chudasama in Junagadhs municipal elections. His OBC background and Saurashtra roots, a BJP stronghold, further strengthen his case. With party insiders rallying behind him, will Chudasama emerge as BJPs next state chief? MLAs high on wealth but low on degrees Gujarats 180 MLAs collectively hold Rs 3,009 crore in assets, yet 55% are not even graduates, according to an ADR report. A staggering 98 MLAs have studied only up to Class 5 or 12, or hold diplomas. Nationally, 35% of MLAs lack a graduation degree, while 24% have postgraduate or higher qualifications. Women remain underrepresentedonly 10% of Indias MLAs are women, with Gujarat contributing only 14 female legislators. Adding to the mix, 21% of Gujarats MLAs37 in all have criminal cases against them. On the wealth front, Mansa MLA Jayanti Patel leads the pack with Rs 661 crore in assets. Dilip Singh Kshatriya Our correspondent in Gujarat dilipsingh@newindianexpress.com

PM announces dolphin census, lion survey, Cheetah expansion

AHMEDABAD: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday released the countrys first-ever riverine dolphin estimation report, which revealed a population of 6,327 dolphins in 28 states, during his visit to Gir National Park in Gujarat. He was chairing the 7th meeting of the National Board for Wildlife and unveiled a series of key initiatives. Strengthening conservation efforts, he also laid the foundation stone for the National Referral Centre for Wildlife at Junagadh. Further amplifying wildlife preservation, the PM announced the 16th Asiatic Lion Population Estimation, set for 2025, besides the establishment of a Centre of Excellence at SACON, Coimbatore, to address human-wildlife conflicts. Expanding Indias ambitious cheetah reintroduction program, the PM revealed plans to introduce the big cats to Gandhisagar Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh and the Banni Grasslands in Gujarat. In a comprehensive review, the National Board for Wildlife spotlighted key government initiatives in wildlife conservation, celebrating milestones in protected area expansion and flagship species programs like Project Tiger, Project Elephant, and Project Snow Leopard. The extensive survey, covering over 8,500 kilometers, saw Uttar Pradesh recording the highest numbers, followed by Bihar, Bengal, and Assam. Stressing community involvement, the PM underscored the role of local populations in dolphin conservation and proposed exposure visits for school children to dolphin habitats. He laid the foundation stone for the National Referral Centre for Wildlife at Junagadh, envisioned as the nerve center for coordinating wildlife disease management. On the lion conservation front, he announced the commencement of the 16th Asiatic lion population estimation cycle in 2025, following the last survey conducted in 2020. Notably, with Asiatic lions naturally dispersing into Barda Wildlife Sanctuary, conservation efforts in the region will be strengthened through prey augmentation and habitat enhancement. Emphasising the balance between conservation and eco-tourism, the PM called for improved travel infrastructure to boost wildlife tourism. Harnessing modern tech, the PM pushed for the integration of remote sensing, geospatial mapping, AI, and machine learning in tackling forest fires and human-animal conflicts.

PM Modi unveils major wildlife push: dolphin census, lion survey, cheetah expansion

AHMEDADBAD: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visit to Gir National Park in Gujarat, chaired the 7th meeting of the National Board for Wildlife and unveiled a series of key wildlife initiatives. In a historic move, he released the countrys first-ever riverine dolphin estimation report, revealing a population of 6,327 dolphins. Strengthening conservation efforts, he also laid the foundation stone for the National Referral Centre for Wildlife at Junagadh. Further amplifying wildlife preservation, the Prime Minister announced the 16th Asiatic Lion Population Estimation, set for 2025, alongside the establishment of a Centre of Excellence at SACON, Coimbatore, to address human-wildlife conflicts. Expanding Indias ambitious cheetah reintroduction program, PM Modi revealed plans to introduce the big cats to Gandhisagar Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh and the Banni Grasslands in Gujarat. The National Board for Wildlife, in a comprehensive review, spotlighted key government initiatives in wildlife conservation, celebrating milestones in protected area expansion and flagship species programs like Project Tiger, Project Elephant, and Project Snow Leopard. The discussions also encompassed conservation strategies for dolphins and Asiatic lions, alongside the launch of the International Big Cats Alliance. A significant highlight of the meeting was the release of India's first-ever riverine dolphin estimation report by the Prime Minister, revealing a population of 6,327 dolphins across 28 rivers in eight states. This extensive survey, covering over 8,500 kilometers, saw Uttar Pradesh recording the highest numbers, followed by Bihar, West Bengal, and Assam. Stressing community involvement, the Prime Minister underscored the role of local populations in dolphin conservation and proposed exposure visits for school children to dolphin habitats. Further reinforcing India's commitment to wildlife health, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for the National Referral Centre for Wildlife at Junagadh, envisioned as the nerve center for coordinating wildlife disease management. On the lion conservation front, he announced the commencement of the 16th Asiatic lion population estimation cycle in 2025, following the last survey conducted in 2020. Notably, with Asiatic lions naturally dispersing into Barda Wildlife Sanctuary, conservation efforts in the region will be strengthened through prey augmentation and habitat enhancement. Emphasizing the balance between conservation and eco-tourism, the Prime Minister called for improved travel infrastructure to boost wildlife tourism. Addressing human-wildlife conflict, he announced the establishment of a Centre of Excellence at the Wildlife Institute of Indias SACON campus in Coimbatore. Harnessing cutting-edge technology, the Prime Minister pushed for the integration of remote sensing, geospatial mapping, AI, and machine learning in tackling forest fires and human-animal conflicts. He proposed a collaboration between the Wildlife Institute of India and BISAG-N to enhance conflict resolution strategies. Asiatic lion population rising steadily: PM Modi visits Gir on World Wildlife Day, hails conservation efforts Strengthening forest fire management, he urged coordination between the Forest Survey of India, Dehradun, and BISAG-N to leverage space technology for improved detection, prevention, and control mechanisms. Expanding Indias ambitious cheetah reintroduction program, the Prime Minister announced new sites, including Gandhisagar Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh and Banni Grasslands in Gujarat. Additionally, he launched a conservation scheme targeting tigers outside designated reserves to address human-wildlife coexistence challenges. Recognizing the alarming decline in gharial populations, he also initiated a dedicated conservation project for the species. The Prime Minister reinforced Indias commitment to the Great Indian Bustard conservation, unveiling a National Action Plan to scale up efforts. Citing the success story of Girs lion and leopard conservation, the Prime Minister advocated documenting traditional conservation knowledge using AI for application across national parks and sanctuaries. Recognizing the vital role of local communities, he celebrated the sixfold increase in community reserves over the past decade and emphasized the deployment of AI in conservation the Prime Minister flagged off motorcycles to enhance the mobility of frontline forest staff and engaged with field functionaries at Gir, including eco-guides and trackers, reaffirming the governments commitment to safeguarding Indias rich biodiversity.

Asiatic lion population rising steadily: PM Modi visits Gir on World Wildlife Day, hails conservation efforts

AHMEDABAD: The Asiatic lion population is on the rise, thanks to relentless conservation efforts over the years. Equally crucial, tribal communities and local women have played a vital role in preserving their habitat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi remarked on Monday. Marking World Wildlife Day, Modi embarked on a lion safari at Gir Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarats Junagadh district, underscoring the government's commitment to wildlife conservation. His visit followed an overnight stay at Sinh Sadan, a forest guest house in Sasan managed by the state forest department. The night halt came after his visit to Somnath on Sunday evening, where he offered prayers at the Lord Shiva temple, the first among the 12 jyotirlingas. After his lion safari at Gir Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarats Junagadh district, Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared his experience in a series of posts on X. This morning, on WorldWildlifeDay, I went on a Safari in Gir, which, as we all know, is home to the majestic Asiatic Lion, he wrote. Recalling his tenure as Gujarats Chief Minister, he highlighted conservation efforts, stating, Coming to Gir also brings back many memories of the work we collectively did when I was serving as Gujarat CM. In the last many years, collective efforts have ensured that the population of Asiatic Lions is rising steadily. This morning, on #WorldWildlifeDay , I went on a Safari in Gir, which, as we all know, is home to the majestic Asiatic Lion. Coming to Gir also brings back many memories of the work we collectively did when I was serving as Gujarat CM. In the last many years, collective efforts pic.twitter.com/S8XMmn2zN7 Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 3, 2025 He also praised the role of local communities in conservation, adding, Equally commendable is the role of tribal communities and women from surrounding areas in preserving the habitat of the Asiatic Lion. Sharing images from his visit, he encouraged people to explore the sanctuary, writing, Here are some more glimpses from Gir. I urge you all to come and visit Gir in the future. In a final post, he revealed his personal experience behind the lens, saying, Lions and lionesses in Gir! Tried my hand at some photography this morning. Lions and lionesses in Gir! Tried my hand at some photography this morning. pic.twitter.com/TKBMKCGA7m Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 3, 2025 Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted Indias wildlife conservation success, noting a steady rise in tiger, leopard, and rhino populations over the last decade. Over the last decade, the population of tigers, leopards, rhinos have risen too, indicating how deeply we cherish wildlife and are working to build sustainable habitats for animals, he wrote in a post on X.

Photos: PM Modi goes on jungle safari in Gujarats Gir wildlife sanctuary

Sasan: Prime Minister Narendra Modi went on a lion safari at Gir Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarats Junagadh district on Monday morning, on the occasion of the World Wildlife Day. In a post on X, Modi said the population of Asiatic lions has seen a steady rise due to collective efforts, and commended the contribution of Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

PM Modi Announces Asiatic Lion Census This May At National Wildlife Board Meeting In Gujarat

After completing his lion safari at Gir National Park in the morning, PM Modi headed for the meeting, at Sasan in Gujarats Junagadh district.

PM Modi Chairs National Wildlife Board Meet In Gujarat, Announces Lion Census

SASAN (GUJARAT), Feb 3: Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the National Board for Wildlifes seventh meeting here on Monday, on the occasion of the World Wildlife Day, and announced the Asiatic lion population estimation to be held in May this year. Soon after completing his lion safari at Gir National Park in the morning, Modi headed for the NBWL meeting, at Sasan in Gujarats Junagadh district, which was attended by Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav [] The post PM Modi Chairs National Wildlife Board Meet In Gujarat, Announces Lion Census appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

PM Modi goes on safari in Gujarat; lauds tribals for preserving habitat of Asiatic lions

SASAN: Prime Minister Narendra Modi went on a lion safari at Gir Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat's Junagadh district on Monday morning, on the occasion of World Wildlife Day. In a post on X, Modi said the population of Asiatic lions has seen a steady rise due to collective efforts, and commended the contribution of tribals and women living in surrounding areas in preserving the Asiatic lions' habitat. This morning, on #WorldWildlifeDay, I went on a Safari in Gir, which, as we all know, is home to the majestic Asiatic Lion. Coming to Gir also brings back many memories of the work we collectively did when I was serving as Gujarat CM, he said. In the last many years, collective efforts have ensured that the population of Asiatic Lions is rising steadily. Equally commendable is the role of tribal communities and women from surrounding areas in preserving the habitat of the Asiatic Lion, Modi added. This morning, on #WorldWildlifeDay , I went on a Safari in Gir, which, as we all know, is home to the majestic Asiatic Lion. Coming to Gir also brings back many memories of the work we collectively did when I was serving as Gujarat CM. In the last many years, collective efforts pic.twitter.com/S8XMmn2zN7 Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 3, 2025 The prime minister also posted pictures of lions that he came across during the safari. Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav, other ministers and senior forest department officials accompanied Modi during the safari. The PM later went to chair the seventh meeting of the National Board for Wildlife at Sasan Gir, the headquarters of the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary. The central government has approved more than Rs 2,900 crore for Project Lion, meant for the conservation of Asiatic lions, for which Gujarat is the only abode, stated a government release. Currently, the Asiatic lions inhabit nearly 30,000 square kilometres across 53 talukas in 9 districts of Gujarat, it said. Additionally, as part of a national project, a National Referral Centre for Wildlife is being established on over 20.24 hectares of land at New Pipalya in Junagadh district, it said. A high-tech monitoring centre for wildlife tracking and a state-of-the-art hospital have also been set up in Sasan to strengthen conservation efforts, the release said. Earlier, Modi had a night halt at Sinh Sadan, a forest guest house managed by the state forest department, in Sasan after he arrived from Somnath where he offered prayers at the Lord Shiv temple, the first among 12 jyotirlingas, on Sunday evening. On Sunday, Modi also visited Vantara, an animal rescue, conservation and rehabilitation centre located at the Reliance Jamnagar refinery complex. It is a rescue centre dedicated to the welfare of captive elephants and wildlife, providing sanctuary, rehabilitation and medical care to animals rescued from abuse and exploitation.

PM Narendra Modi Goes On Lion Safari At Gir Wildlife Sanctuary On World Wildlife Day | News18

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday morning went on a lion safari at Gir Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat's Junagadh on the occasion of World Wildlife Day. During the jeep safari, he was accompanied by some ministers and senior forest department officials and was also seen capturing pictures of lions.In a post on X later, he reiterated the commitment to protect and preserve the incredible biodiversity of our planet on the occasion of World Wildlife Day. n18oc_indiaNews18 Mobile App - https://onelink.to/desc-youtube

World Wildlife Day | PM Modi Goes On Lion Safari In Gujarat

Sasan (Gujarat), Mar 3: Prime Minister Narendra Modi went on a lion safari at Gir Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarats Junagadh district on Monday morning, on the occasion of the World Wildlife Day, during his tour of the state. Modi had a night halt at Sinh Sadan, a forest guest house managed by the state forest department, in Sasan after his arrival from Somnath where he offered prayers at the Lord Shiv temple, the first among 12 jyotirlingas, on Sunday evening. [] The post World Wildlife Day | PM Modi Goes On Lion Safari In Gujarat appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

PM Modi Goes On Lion Safari At Gir Wildlife Sanctuary On World Wildlife Day

Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a thrilling lion safari adventure at the renowned Gir Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat's Junagadh district on Monday morning.