PM wants states to do their bit for tiger conservation

23/02/2008
Times Of India (New Delhi)

In an effort to ensure improved tiger conservation, the Centre is planning to make states where sanctuaries and parks are located active partners in protecting the big cat by framing memorandums of understanding (MoUs) that will tie-in increased assistance to better management of the reserves. A review of tiger conservation chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Friday considered options to stem the decline in tiger population in the wake of the latest census released last week. It was felt that the cooperation of the states was essential for any conservation effort to succeed. The 30-odd tigers reserves are managed by forest services of 17 states. While a press release said that the PM expressed concern at the decline in tiger numbers, it also pointed out that Singh felt comparisons with older census figures would be out of place given that a revised methodology was used in the most recent count. It was also felt that tiger numbers had declined most in areas adjoining reserves which were not specifically protected. In order to get the states on board, it was decided that MoUs detailing their responsibilities as well as a scheme of incentives would be drawn up soon. These would be then signed with states with increased funds being linked to specific measures like requisite staff, communication and monitoring equipment and patrol vehicles. This would bring about a sharing of best practices in tiger conservation. A meeting of CMs of states where tiger reserves are located will be called and the CMs will be requested to take charge of conservation and forest management. The meeting will seek to frame a coordinated response to the challenge of tiger conservation. While the core areas of tiger reserves are to be kept inviolate

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