Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said on the eve of World Tiger Day that unprecedented efforts are currently underway for the conservation of tigers in India and the number of the big cat is increasing every year in the country.
In his monthly radio address - Mann Ki Baat on Sunday, PM Modi said that 70 percent of the world's tigers are found in India and this animal has been an integral part of Indian culture and people in villages around forests in the country know how to live in harmony with tigers. In this context, he specially mentioned Ranthambore (Rajasthan), Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve of Maharashtra, the 'Chenchu' tribe living on the Nallamalai Hills in Andhra Pradesh and the 'Tiger Mitra Program' running in Pilibhit.
PM Modi said in our country, there are many villages where there is no conflict between humans and tigers. But where such a situation arises, unprecedented efforts are being made for the protection of tigers there as well.
Kulhadi Band Panchayat
PM said one such effort of public participation is “Kulhadi Band Panchayat”. The “Kulhadi Band Panchayat” campaign that started from Ranthambor of Rajasthan is very interesting. The local communities themselves have taken an oath that they will not go to the forest with axes and will not cut trees. Due to this one decision, the forests here are becoming lush and green once again, and a better environment is being created for the tigers.
Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve is one of the main habitats of big cats
PM Modi said Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve of Maharashtra is one of the main habitats of tigers. The local communities here, especially our brothers and sisters of Gond and Mana tribes, have taken rapid strides towards eco-tourism. They have reduced their dependence on the forest so that the activities of tigers can increase here.
Chenchu tribe work as Tiger Trackers
PM said you will also be surprised at the efforts of the ‘Chenchu’ tribe living on the Nallamalai hills in Andhra Pradesh. As Tiger Trackers, they have gathered every bit of information on the movement of wild animals in the forest. Along with that, they also keep monitoring illegal activities in the area.
Baagh Mitr Karykram
Similarly, the ‘Baagh Mitr Karykram’ being undertaken in Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh is also creating a buzz. Under this, local people are trained to work as 'Tiger Friends'. These 'Tiger Friends' strictly ensure that there is no conflict between tigers and humans. Many such efforts are underway in different parts of the country.
PM Modi said I have discussed only a few efforts here, but I am happy that public participation is proving very useful in tiger conservation. It is on account of such efforts that the tiger population in India is increasing every year. You will feel happy and proud to know that 70 percent of the tigers in the world are in our country. Imagine! 70 percent tigers!! - That is why there are many Tiger Sanctuaries in different parts of our country.
Modi said that along with the increase in tiger population, the forest area in our country is also increasing rapidly. In that too, great success is being achieved through community efforts.