Prime Minister Narendra Modi will release the most recent tiger census data at a mega event in Mysuru on Sunday to commemorate the 50th anniversary of "Project Tiger". During 'Amrit Kaal,' he will also unveil the government's vision for tiger conservation, as well as launch the International Big Cats Alliance (IBCA). With a membership from a range of countries, the IBCA will focus on the protection and conservation of the world's seven major big cats: the Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Puma, Jaguar, and Cheetah.
In the morning, the Prime Minister visited Bandipur Tiger Reserve in Chamarajanagar district and met with frontline field staff and self-help groups involved in conservation efforts. He also visited the Theppakadu Elephant Camp in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve in neighbouring Tamil Nadu, which borders Chamarajanagar district, and interacts with mahouts and 'kavadis' of the elephant camp.
50 Years Of Project Tiger:
During the 'Commemoration of 50 Years of Project Tiger,' Modi will release the publications 'Amrit Kaal ka Vision for Tiger Conservation,' a summary report of the 5th cycle of Management Effective Evaluation of Tiger Reserves, declare tiger numbers and release a summary report of the All India Tiger Estimation (5th cycle).
On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of 'Project Tiger,' a commemorative coin will be released.
He will additionally speak with Field Directors from tiger reserves that received the highest scores in the recently completed 5th cycle of Management Effectiveness Evaluation.
In July of this year, the Prime Minister called for an "Alliance of Global Leaders" to "obliterate demand" and effectively combat poaching and illegal wildlife trade in Asia. The IBCA is being launched to carry forward the Prime Minister's message.
The head of 'Project Tiger,' which celebrated its 50th anniversary on April 1st, stated earlier this week that India aims to sustain a viable tiger population based on a scientifically calculated carrying capacity of habitats while maintaining a balance between development and wildlife conservation, PTI reported.
S P Yadav, Additional Director General of Forests, also stated that, while tiger poaching has decreased significantly due to improved technology and protection mechanisms, it remains the biggest threat to the big cats, alongside habitat fragmentation and degradation.
On April 1, 1973, India launched 'Project Tiger' to promote tiger conservation. It initially covered nine tiger reserves spread across 18,278 square kilometres. There are currently 53 tiger reserves covering more than 75,000 square kilometres (approximately 2.4 percent of the country's geographical area).
India has approximately 3,000 tigers, accounting for more than 70% of the global wild tiger population, and the population is growing at a rate of 6% per year.
Yadav further said that 'Project Tiger' creates more than 45 lakh man-days of employment for locals each year. Furthermore, the government assists eco-development committees and self-help groups.