Description
Prime Minister to release latest tiger census data at mega-event to mark 50 years of 'Project Tiger' (File) Prime Minister Narendra Modi will release the latest tiger census data on Sunday at a mega-event marking the completion of 50 years of "Project Tiger" in Mysuru. He will also unveil the government's vision for tiger conservation during 'Amrit Kaal', and will also launch the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA).
IBCA will focus on the protection and conservation of the world's seven most important big cats: the tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, puma, jaguar and cheetah, with members from countries in the range of these species.
The Prime Minister will visit Bandipur Tiger Reserve in Chamarajanagar district in the morning and interact with frontline field staff and self-help groups involved in conservation activities. You will also visit Theppakadu Elephant Camp in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve in neighboring Tamil Nadu bordering Chamarajanagar district and interact with the mahouts and 'kavadis' of the elephant camp.
He will also interact with the field managers of the tiger reserves that achieved the highest scores in the fifth round of the recently concluded management effectiveness assessment exercise.
In July 2019, the prime minister called for an "Alliance of World Leaders" to "clear the lawsuit" and take a strong stand against poaching and illegal wildlife trade in Asia. With the Prime Minister's message, the IBCA is launched.
PM Modi will inaugurate the program 'Commemoration of 50 Years of Project Tiger' during which he will publish the publications 'Amrit kaal ka vision for tiger conservation', summary report of the 5th cycle of effective assessment of tiger management tiger reserves, declare the number of tigers and publish a summary report of the all-India tiger estimate (round 5).
On this occasion, a commemorative coin will also be issued at the end of the 50th anniversary of the "Tiger Project".
India aims to maintain a viable tiger population based on a scientifically calculated habitat carrying capacity while maintaining a balance between development and wildlife conservation, said the head of "Project Tiger", who turned 50 on 1 of April.
Forestry Director General SP Yadav also said that although tiger poaching has decreased significantly due to better technologies and protection mechanisms, it remains the biggest threat to big cats aside from habitat fragmentation and degradation.
India launched 'Project Tiger' on April 1, 1973 to promote tiger conservation. Initially, it covered nine tiger reserves spread over 18,278 km². Currently, there are 53 tiger reserves covering more than 75,000 km2 (about 2.4% of the country's geographical area).
India has about 3,000 tigers, more than 70% of the world's wild tiger population, and the number is growing at a rate of 6% per year.
Yadav added that the "Tiger Project" generates more than 45 lakh man-days of employment for local people every year. In addition, the government supports green development committees and self-help groups.
