The Minister of State for Environment and Forests (independent charge) Shri Jairam Ramesh gave this information in a written reply to a question by Shri. Harin Pathak in Lok Sabha today.

He said that the Government of Gujarat has submitted a project entitled 'A plan for consolidating long-term conservation of Asiatic lion in the greater Gir region'. The project proposal is for an amount of Rs. 236.17 crores of which Central Government's share is 90% and State Government's share is 10%.

Mr Ramesh said that the Central Government strongly supports conservation of Asiatic Financial assistance is provided under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of 'Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats' (IDWH). Lion The Gir Forests in Gujarat is the only habitat of Asiatic Lion in India. The financial assistance provided to state for lion conservation in 2008-09 and 2009-10 is Rs. 32.00 lakh and Rs. 92.08 lakh respectively.