Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday visited the Bandipur Tiger Reserve in Karnataka where he was dressed in speckled clothes for the safari. On the completion of 50 years of Project Tiger, the Prime Minister released a commemorative coin. During the event, Modi also released the government's vision for tiger conservation during Amrit Kaal and also launched the International Big Cats Alliance (IBCA). Speaking on the occasion, PM Modi focused on maintaining a balance between nature and mankind.


He released the survey on the tiger population in India and as per the new figures, the population of big cats in the country has gone up from 2,967 in 2018 to 3,167 in 2023. Here are some top quotes from PM Modi's speech.


Top Quotes 



  • PM Modi said, "Project Tiger leads the way in the protection and conservation of big cats. It is part of Indian culture to protect nature. The success of Project Tiger is a matter of pride not only for India but for the whole world. India has completed 75 years of independence; and at the same time, 75 percent of the world's tiger population is in India. We do not believe in conflict between ecology and economy, but give importance to co-existence between the two."


 



  • He said, "For wildlife to thrive, it is important for ecosystems to thrive. This has been happening in India."


 



  • Talking about Cheetahs and other animals, the PM said, "With only 2.4 percent of the world's land area, India contributes to about 8 percent of the known global diversity. Cheetahs had become extinct in India decades ago. We brought this magnificent big cat to India from Namibia and South Africa. This is the first successful trans-continental translocation of the big cat. With nearly 30,000 Elephants, we are the largest Asiatic Elephant range country in the world."


 



  • "Protection of wildlife is a universal issue," the PM added highlighting that International Big Cat Alliance is 'our endeavour for protection and conservation of the big cats'. "International Big Cats Alliance (IBCA) will focus on protection and conservation of seven major big cats of the world," he added.


 



  • He further said, "We are all witnessing a very important milestone, 50 years of Project Tiger. India has not only saved the tiger but has also given it an excellent ecosystem to flourish."


 



  • On meeting the actors of the Oscar-winning documentary, The Elephant Whispers, PM said, "...the documentary that won an Oscar also reflects our legacy of the wonderful relationship between nature and creatures. I urge you (foreign dignitaries) to take something from the life and tradition of our tribal society."