New Delhi: India Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate a 3-day mega event on April 9 in Mysuru, Karnataka to celebrate 50 years of Project Tiger, an official said.
Project Tiger is a tiger conservation programme launched in November 1973 by the Government of India during Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's tenure
"The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change is set host a major celebration to mark Project Tiger's 50th anniversary. Prime Minister's Modi presence is requested to grace the inaugural session of the mega event on 9th April 2023 at Mysuru, Karnataka," as per official statement
It is further said that during the event, apart from the Tiger Census, a commemorative coin release is also proposed. "Project Tiger will celebrate its 50th anniversary on April 1st, 2023, during the Amritkal, denoting peace, prosperity, development, and conservation in line with the Prime Minister's Mission LiFE vision. In order to raise awareness of India's accomplishment in tiger conservation and to increase political and popular support for tiger conservation, a major event should be held to honour Project Tiger's 50th anniversary in 2023 " offical said. The official added that in addition to the Tiger Census, a commemorative coin release is also planned for the occasion.
"The following releases are suggested for the inaugural session: Amrit Kal ka Vision for Tiger protection, Management Effective Assessment (2022) of Tiger Reserves, Statement of Tiger Estimation Number, and Release of Commemorative Coin. The proposed event offers a chance to showcase India's dedication to wildlife conservation to the globe, especially in light of Project Tiger's exceptional success in the field of wild tiger conservation over the course of more than five decades "it added.
Tiger is an apex predator that needs vast habitat to harbour viable populations and by virtue of this serves as an umbrella species for conserving India's forest systems. As a national animal, the tiger is a pride for society and is historically intricately connected with India's ethos, art, culture, sculpture and literature, the release said. The Government of India started Project Tiger on April 1, 1973, to promote tiger conservation at Corbett National Park after taking note of issues affecting the iconic species' survival in the wild. According to the announcement, Project Tiger has continually assisted in tiger population restoration and bolstering tiger conservation efforts since it was founded.
At present, India has 53 tiger reserves covering more over 75,000 sq km, or roughly 2.4% of the country's geographical area, more than double the initial Project Tiger coverage area of 9 tiger reserves covering 18,278 sq km. According to the report, these tiger reserves serve as national archives for biodiversity preservation, assuring regional water security and carbon sequestration, helping India meet its climate change mitigation goals.
With an estimated 3,000 tigers, India is home to more than 70% of the world's wild tigers, and the population is growing at a pace of 6% each year. The St. Petersburg Declaration stated that the tiger is highly threatened globally due to the high illegal demand for its body parts. India's success in conserving and doubling its wild tiger population in a span of about 12 years (much before the targeted year of 2022 as per the (St. Petersburg Declaration) is commendable, it said.
Due to a rigorous protection regime, science-based management interventions, wildlife health care, the application of cutting-edge technology to reduce and prevent human-tiger interface problems, and the involvement of the local community through eco-development and conservation initiatives, the story of the tiger's remarkable growth has been made possible. As a result of the considerable advancements made under Project Tiger, it is now one of the most effective large carnivore conservation programmes in the world.
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