PM Modi lauds Tiger Day campaigns in Rajasthan, Andhra, UP in 'Mann Ki Baat'

New Delhi: The campaigns undertaken by various states as part of International Tiger Day, and the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' programme in Madhya Pradesh's Indore found mention in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Mann Ki Baat address on Sunday.
In his monthly radio address, PM Modi said, "Tiger Day will be celebrated all over the world tomorrow. In India, Tigers have been an integral part of our culture. In our country, there are many villages where there is no conflict between humans and tigers. But where such a situation arises, unprecedented efforts are being made for the protection of tigers there as well."
"One such effort of public participation is 'Kulhadi Band Panchayat' that started in Ranthambor in Rajasthan is very interesting. The local communities themselves have taken an oath that they will not go to the forest with axes and will not cut trees," he said.
PM Modi said that due to this one decision, the forests in the region are becoming green once again, and a better environment is being created for the tigers.
Notably, the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, situated in Sawai Madhopur in Rajasthan, is one of the largest tiger habitats in the country.
The PM also mentioned Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve of Maharashtra, which is one of the main habitats of tigers. The local communities here, especially our brothers and sisters of Gond and Mana tribes, have taken rapid strides towards eco-tourism, he said.
"They have reduced their dependence on the forest so that the activities of tigers can increase here. You will also be surprised at the efforts of the 'Chenchu' tribe living on the Nallamalai hills in Andhra Pradesh. As tiger trackers, they have gathered every bit of information on the movement of wild animals in the forest. Along with that, they also keep monitoring illegal activities in the area," the Prime Minister said.
"Similarly, the 'Baagh Mitr Karykram' being undertaken in Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh, is also creating a buzz. Under this, local people are trained to work as 'Tiger Friends'. These 'Tiger Friends' strictly ensure that there is no conflict between tigers and humans," he said.
The Prime Minister also expressed happiness at the public participation that is proving very useful in tiger conservation.
"It is on account of such efforts that the tiger population in India is increasing every year. 70 per cent of the tigers in the world are in our country. That is why there are many Tiger Sanctuaries in different parts of our country," PM Modi said.
On Indore's 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' programme, the Prime Minister said, "Along with the increase in tiger population, the forest area in our country is also increasing rapidly. In that too, great success is being achieved through community efforts."
"A few days ago, a splendid programme was held in Indore, the city famous for cleanliness. More than 2 lakh saplings were planted here in a single day during the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' programme," he added.
Mann Ki Baat is Prime Minister Modi's monthly radio programme, where he discusses important national issues with the citizens of India. The programme is broadcast on the last Sunday of every month. Launched on October 3, 2014, Mann Ki Baat aims to connect with various segments of Indian society, encompassing women, the elderly, and the youth.
Apart from 22 Indian languages and 29 dialects, 'Mann Ki Baat' is broadcast in 11 foreign languages, including French, Chinese, Indonesian, Tibetan, Burmese, Baluchi, Arabic, Pashtu, Persian, Dari, and Swahili.