The Asiatic lion population in Gujarat has increased, with 891 lions estimated in the state, according to data released in May 2025. Population estimation of Asiatic lions is carried out once every five years.
Since the census in 2001, when 327 were recorded, the lion population has grown by nearly 172%, shared Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel while announcing the latest census information in Gandhinagar on May 21.
Patel said that the latest count includes 196 males, 330 females, and a significant number of cubs and sub-adults. “The growth in the lion population is not only a result of favourable geographic and climatic conditions but also reflects the state government’s consistent and dedicated efforts towards wildlife conservation,” said Chief Minister Patel in his statement.
While releasing the figures, he added, “The lion population rose from 327 in 2001 to 359 in 2005, 411 in 2010, 523 in 2015, 674 in 2020, and has now reached 891.”
Lions are no longer confined to their traditional habitat in Gir National Park in Gujarat; they are now seen across a much wider range.
The lion population estimation process was conducted using the Direct Beat Verification method combined with the Block Count method, where lions were counted based on direct sightings at the block level. This method requires fewer human resources, is less time-consuming, cost-effective, and flexible enough to incorporate new technology.
This year’s survey, held from May 10 to 13, covered 35,000 sq. km. across 11 districts and 58 talukas. It involved 3,854 participants, including local sarpanches, village residents, forest staff, and government officials.
Digital cameras, camera traps, radio collars, and GPS-enabled devices were used, along with the e-Gujforest app, which allowed for real-time recording of lion locations and photographs. GIS software was used to map the survey area, and an AI-based software helped identify individual lions.
Photographs taken using digital cameras and camera traps were used to identify individual lions, while some lions were fitted with radio collars to monitor their movements and the activities of their groups.
The collected data was extracted, analysed, and mapped using GIS and statistical software, enabling a comprehensive understanding of population trends and facilitating comparisons with previous lion population estimates.
Project Lion, currently being implemented in Gujarat’s Gir landscape, aims to secure and restore lion habitats, promote community-based eco-development, and establish India as a global centre for big cat disease diagnostics, Union Minister of State for Environment Kirti Vardhan Singh informed the Rajya Sabha on February 13, 2025.
As informed by the State Government of Gujarat, the allocation of funds for the protection of Asiatic lions over the past three years was ₹91.03 crore in 2021-22, ₹129.16 crore in 2022-23, and ₹155.53 crore in 2023-24.
The Asiatic lion is classified as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species, having been upgraded from the critically endangered category in 2008.
Banner image: Image by Bijit Sarkar via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0).
India’s Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) released draft guidelines for the safe management of waste related to solar photovoltaic (PV) modules, panels, and cells. The guidelines, released on June 4, aim to address growing concerns around solar waste management in India.
An increase in solar energy capacity in the future is expected to generate significant volumes of waste. A study estimates that solar PVs would generate approximately 4.5 million tonnes of waste by 2050. The projection is based on the total installed solar PV installation of 64 GW by March 2023. Another study estimates that India could generate between 11 and 34 kilotonnes (kt) of PV waste by 2030, depending on low to high growth scenarios.
The draft guidelines highlight that solar panel waste poses environmental and health risks due to hazardous materials such as lead, cadmium, arsenic, and selenium. Improper handling or burning of this waste could release toxic emissions, contaminate soil and water, and endanger workers.
The draft recommends recycling solar waste as solar panels consist of recyclable materials such as aluminium, copper, silver, etc. These recovered materials could reduce the need for new raw materials.
Under the E-Waste (Management) Rules, the responsibility of managing solar PV waste lies with manufacturers, producers, and authorised recyclers.
The draft emphasises that only authorised handlers should collect solar waste and it should never be dumped in open spaces or sold to unverified entities. Producers are to establish collection mechanisms, publicise these systems, and maintain databases of customers and locations to support efficient retrieval of waste panels. Solar waste should be moved in covered vehicles, preferably those authorised for hazardous materials for transportation. If the waste is sent for final disposal, the sender must comply with the Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016.
For storage, the recent draft guidelines recommend that solar PV waste be kept in dry, covered, and well-ventilated spaces with leak-proof, non-leachable flooring to prevent groundwater and soil contamination. Facilities must be equipped with fire protection systems, emergency escape routes, and an emergency response plan. Containers should be clearly labelled, and regular inspections must be carried out to monitor for damage.
The pollution control board is accepting public comments on the draft guidelines until June 25, 2025.
“The draft guidelines mark a significant step forward in establishing a structured reverse logistics and inventory system for solar PV waste. By emphasising safe transportation and storage, clear labelling for recyclability, and enhanced traceability through databases, we can mitigate environmental and social risks. As India moves towards a circular solar economy, the development of well-defined recycling targets will be crucial,” says Khushboo Garg, Senior Analyst at the Centre for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP), a think tank.
Banner image: Image by Parambikulam Tiger Conservation Foundation via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0).
The coast of Kerala witnessed a second shipping accident within 15 days with the Singapore-registered cargo ship M.V. Wan Hai 503 catching fire 88 nautical miles away from Kozhikode. Even before the environmental fallout from the sinking of Liberian-flagged MSC ELSA 3 has been fully assessed and controlled, the second accident has again raised fears of oil spills and coastal environmental destruction.
The burning ship which was adrift was harnessed on Wednesday, June 11 but the fire continues to rage with efforts continuing to douse it. The ship is reported to be carrying containers with hazardous chemicals, though the list is as yet unavailable. Some containers have reportedly fallen off and drifting towards the coast. It is reportedly carrying around 2,000 tonnes of fuel oil and 240 tonnes of diesel, according to shipping sources.
According to the last situation report from the Mercantile Marine Department on June 11, the onboard fire has been partially stabilised, with approximately 40% of the fire brought under control. Firefighting efforts continue in the forward cargo holds with boundary cooling and foam-based suppression being carried out by the Indian Coast Guard ships. There is release of fuel oil into the sea. The vessel remains afloat but without the crew and is currently drifting southeast at a steady pace of one nautical mile per hour.
The two shipping accidents off the coast of Kerala come at the time when the southwest monsoon has gathered strength, and there are strong, rain-bearing winds from the Arabian Sea towards the Kerala coast. This means that the pollution and containers from the ship would float to the coast. Even though a tow line has been harnessed to burning ship, it will take considerable effort to move the ship away from the coast due to the strong winds.
Even as the efforts continue to contain the damage from the second shipping accident, the Director General of Shipping has threatened legal action against the owners of MSC ELSA 3, that sunk off the Kerala coast on May 24, for its improper salvage operations. A police case has been registered in Kerala against the ship owner and its captain for causing environmental damage, pollution due to hazardous material and plastic nurdles, adversely affecting coastal fisheries and livelihoods of fishworkers.
Banner image: Image of the explosion on the ship by Indian Coast Guard via X.
