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PM for ‘Tiger Protection Force’

Sandeep Joshi

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has asked authorities involved in tiger conservation to take time-bound action for relocating 270 villages in the critical core areas in sanctuaries. He has also asked all the State Governments to urgently fill vacancies for frontline staff in various sanctuaries.

Dr. Singh, who reviewed the recent tiger conservation measures of the Government on Wednesday, discussed various measures being taken to prevent poaching of tigers and strengthen protection for sanctuaries.

The Prime Minister said the efforts of the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau and Forest Departments of States could be augmented by locals, mostly tribal residents of nearby villages, working under the supervision of ex-servicemen as a “Tiger Protection Force” in selected sanctuaries.

It would not only prevent the poaching of tigers but provide them with income opportunities and help create a bond between them and the park.

Another measure discussed in the meeting was the creation of a Park Development Fund to be managed by a Park Development Committee for each national park. It is already in practice in the Kanha National Park in Madhya Pradesh.

Dr. Singh was told that a more scientific methodology for counting tigers has been put in place, leading to a more accurate projection of numbers as against the conventional pug mark method liable for double counting. The final report of the Tiger Census would be ready by October 2007.

To revitalise Project Tiger, the Government has created an autonomous National Tiger Conservation Authority and has sanctioned the National Wildlife Crime Control Bureau aimed at strengthening anti-poaching activity.

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