PM Modi Announces Project Rhino To Strengthen Greater One-Horned Rhino Conservation Across India’s States

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday marked World Rhino Day by announcing Project Rhino, an initiative to provide financial and technical support to states home to the greater one-horned rhinoceros.

In a post on X, PM Modi praised wildlife officials, conservationists, forest personnel and local communities for protecting the species. He said India’s conservation efforts have strengthened the rhino population.

“On World Rhino Day, we celebrate the magnificent greater one-horned rhinoceros and laud all those at the forefront of its protection,” he said.

On World Rhino Day, we celebrate the magnificent greater one-horned rhinoceros and laud all those at the forefront of its protection.

Assam now holds nearly 80% of the world’s rhino population and Kaziranga’s efforts to end rhino poaching have been extensively appreciated.

On… pic.twitter.com/RclogJ84w1

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 22, 2026

PM Modi highlighted Assam’s role in global rhino conservation. He said the state now holds nearly 80 per cent of the world’s rhino population. He pointed to Kaziranga National Park’s efforts to curb rhino poaching.

Prime Minister Modi noted that rhinos have returned or remain protected in parts of Bihar and West Bengal. He said their successful reintroduction in Dudhwa, Uttar Pradesh, is “creating history”.

PM Modi said these developments reflect sustained public commitment to animal protection and active wildlife management across rhino-range states.

Project Rhino will support states in animal protection, habitat management, genetic improvement and understanding population dynamics.

India’s greater one-horned rhino population remains concentrated mainly in India and Nepal. Assam hosts the country’s largest population, with Kaziranga serving as its most important habitat. Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary and Orang National Park are other key rhino habitats.

Conservation initiatives in Bihar and West Bengal, along with the Dudhwa reintroduction programme, have helped strengthen the species’ range.

Project Rhino is expected to create a coordinated framework for financial, technical and scientific interventions across rhino-bearing states.

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