Click to play videoNew Delhi: A study commissioned by the government says the number of tigers has fallen steeply in the country.
According the study, there are about 1,300 to 1,500 tigers left in Indian forests – less than half of what it was six years ago.
The National Tiger Conservation Authority, which carried out the study, says tiger population in reserves and protected areas has changed marginally but declined sharply in forest areas outside.
Listing urgent measures taken for strengthening tiger conservation, the authority said central assistance is being provided for creation of 'tiger protection force' comprising of ex-army personnel and locals.
“Today’s presentation has brought home the fact that we may have made a mistake of wanting to have people co-exist with tigers and become dinner. And it wasn't such a good idea for people. The idea was to try and find ways to remove them from those areas and let nature rejuvenate itself,” said advertising legend Prahalad Kakkar, a keen nature enthusiast.
Meanwhile, Wildlife conservationist Valmik Thapar said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has promised prompt action to deal with the dwindling tiger population.
“Yesterday National Board of Wildlife meeting headed by the Prime Minister was excellent. He came up with three solutions – one a sub committee should be formed to look into tiger conservation, second a tiger population force must be formed which should be headed by various state governments to check the number of tigers in every state and third – a senior policeman should head wildlife crime bureau which has been headless for quite sometime now.
“These three ways will affect the tigers in a positive way. This could be beginning of a new era in wildlife conservation. Government, NGOs and individuals can partner much better. The PM was very much in tune with the problem and is doing what needs to be done. So we are keeping our fingers crossed,” Thapar added.
Belinda Wright of the Wildlife Protection society of India said, “Basically the idea is to see how is the act going to affect India’s wildlife. And it’s a clear indication that the PM feels that the wildlife is very important and it needs to be looked into. So we are pleased about that."
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