Project Tiger: Tiger is the national animal of India. According to the statistics of the Government of India, there are currently 3000 tigers in India, which is 70 percent of the tiger population in the world. This population of tigers is increasing at the rate of 6 percent every year, but there was a time after independence when India had to run a campaign to save the tigers. It was named Project Tiger. Project Tiger has completed 50 years on 1st April. India is celebrating this 5 decade long campaign.
India first started Project Tiger on April 1, 1973 under the leadership of the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. When Project Tiger was started, 9 tiger reserves spread over 18278 sq km were included in it. Today after 50 years it is spread over 53 tiger reserves and covers an area of ​​75,000 sq km.
PM Modi to release coin on April 9
To commemorate the completion of 50 years of Project Tiger, the Government of India is going to start a three-day program in Mysore, Karnataka from 9th April. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will reach to attend it, where he will release the latest figures of the number of tigers in the country. Along with this a coin will also be issued commemorating a project.
Giving information about Project Tiger, Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav said, ‘Project Tiger has been successful in bringing tigers back from the brink of extinction.’ He said, ‘Its success should not be seen only on the basis of the number of tigers. The ministry is bringing all potential tiger habitats under the coverage of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) so that the tiger population can be protected on a sustainable basis.’
‘Save the Tigers, Save the Forest’
Congress General Secretary and former Union Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh also remembered the project on its 50th anniversary. Ramesh wrote, ’15 months after launching the Gir Lion Project, exactly 50 years ago today Indira Gandhi started Project Tiger in Corbett. Till that time there were 9 tiger reserves. Today there are 53. For him, protecting the tigers was like protecting the forests. Tiger reserves are now one third of the rich forest areas.’
Rahul Gandhi remembered his grandmother
Recently disqualified MP and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also thanked his grandmother and former prime minister for starting the project. Rahul Gandhi wrote on Facebook, "Project Tiger is a wonderful tribute to India’s steadfast commitment to wildlife conservation and the inspiring legacy of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi."
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also remembered it on the completion of 50 years of Project Tiger. He wrote on Twitter on April 1, ’50 years ago Mrs. Indira Gandhi launched Project Tiger for the conservation of tiger habitats. This historic initiative ensured a viable tiger population for economic, scientific, cultural and ecological values. Let us continue to protect this majestic creature.’
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