Supreme Court Praises Central Governments Tiger Conservation Initiatives

The Supreme Court praised the Central Government’s fruitful initiatives for tiger conservation, expressing satisfaction that 75% of the world’s tigers are in India. A bench comprising Justices Sanjeev Khanna and P. V. Sanjay Kumar acknowledged the Central Government’s efforts as “good work” last Friday. Notably, the number of tigers in the country has increased from 2,226 in 2014 to 3,682 now, with good numbers in Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Maharashtra.

For Madhya Pradesh, the most encouraging is that the tiger population is increasing even outside tiger reserves. The tiger population in Madhya Pradesh has grown from 526 to 785, the highest in the country. In the past four to five years, the number of tigers has increased by 259. The task of tiger reintroduction was extremely challenging, but Madhya Pradesh accomplished it with painstaking effort.

Tiger counts are conducted every four years. From 2006 to 2010, the tiger population was recorded at 257, necessitating high-level conservation and sensitive measures to boost their numbers.

In order to manage human-wildlife conflict, 16 regional rescue squads and district-level rescue squads have been established. For investigating wildlife crimes, 16 specialized canine units have been formed. The state-level strike force has arrested 550 wildlife criminals from 14 states in the past eight years.

Funding has been allocated for wildlife management outside protected areas, and revenue from wildlife tourism has been shared with local communities. These efforts have supported tiger conservation initiatives.

How MP regained Tiger State?

Experts underline four main reasons for Madhya Pradesh achieving the Tiger State title.

1. Scientific Relocation of Villages-Between 2010 and 2022, 200 small villages within tiger reserves were relocated, with the highest number of 75 villages being moved from the Satpura Tiger Reserve.

2.Translocation: The relocation of Barasingha, bison, and wild boar from Kanha to other tiger reserves has expanded the food base for tigers.

3. Habitat Development: Vacant villages and fields within forests have been developed into grasslands and ponds, increasing the population of herbivores and providing more food for tigers.

4. Improved Security Measures: Unprecedented changes in security, including drone surveys and monitoring at Panna Tiger Reserve, have significantly curtailed illegal poaching. Enhanced technology in crime investigation and patrolling has been effectively implemented, exemplified by Panna Tiger Reserve’s own drone squad with a monthly operational plan.

These measures have also helped Madhya Pradesh lead in leopard population, with 4,100 leopards in the state out of a total of 12,852. The leopard population has increased by 80% in Madhya Pradesh compared to the national average of 60%, with the state accounting for 25% of the country’s leopards.

Improved Management of National Parks

Madhya Pradesh has the highest number of tigers at 526, followed by Karnataka with 524, and Uttarakhand with 442. The effective management of national parks has played a crucial role in increasing tiger numbers. Over 50 villages have been relocated with state government support, significantly reducing ecological pressure on large tracts of land.

Villages in Kanha, Pench, and Kuno Palpur core areas have been relocated, and more than 90% of the core area of Satpura Tiger Reserve has been relieved of ecological pressure. Madhya Pradesh has achieved top rankings in effective management of national parks and protected areas. Satpura Tiger Reserve has been included in UNESCO’s tentative list of World Heritage Sites.

According to the Government of India’s evaluation report on the effectiveness of tiger reserve management, Pench Tiger Reserve has achieved the highest rank in the country. Bandhavgarh, Kanha, Sanjay, and Satpura Tiger Reserves are recognized for their exemplary management. These national parks have adopted innovative management plans and methods.