The tiger, our national animal is in great danger today! Look at the “Save the Tiger” Initiative ad of Aircel and you will have a rough estimate of it: just 1411 tigers left in India. Well, from the day that the counting was made to the time when I am writing this post, there must have been around 20 tigers already dead from that list. Such is the rate of tiger deaths in India. While our country still has the largest number of tiger population in the world, it is perhaps our duty to increase this population- for the sake of nature, for ourselves and for the country’s pride. So is all this fuss and big big words about tiger conservation really taking place in India? Let’s see.
After the eye-opener of the shocking truth about the present tiger population, the Indian government made a task force to prevent death of tigers and also increase their population. The Prime Minister has already approved the protection force and around US$153 million has been pledged for this purpose. It has been decided that the Indian government along with renowned national and international agencies such as the WWF will be the part of the task force. Indeed a good initiative and lets keep our fingers crosses that this plan truly bears fruit. This plan is a ungradation of the "Project Tiger" inititaive that is already in place.
Poaching is the main factor that is responsible for the loss of tigers in India. In this regard it needs to be said that China has the market of illegal tiger skin, nails and other body parts. This was revealed at the International Tiger Conference that has held in India last February. As decided in the conference, India and Nepal have agreed to prevent illegal tiger trade through stringent checks across the border. (The India-Nepal route is a favorite among poachers for trading in animal parts).
Other initiatives are also underway. The government has already allocated funds to relocate more than 200,000 villagers from tiger reserves to prevent poaching and provide a better habitat for the animals. Under the proposal, a sum of around 900 crores will be allocated yearly to states to look after the 39 tiger reserves in the country. Thanks to the environment minister, Mr. Jairam Ramesh, steps are really underway to create awareness among the common public about tiger conservation.
Though much is being done, lot more needs to be done to save India’s national animal. We, the common people should also play a part to make this world a better place for tigers! Help the government by expressing whatever thoughts you have about tiger conservation. Live and let live!
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