The Government has increased the outlay for tiger preservation from Rs 8.05 crore in 1997-98 to Rs 17 crore in 1998-99. The amount is to be spent through Project Tiger. The project aims at creating conditions for survival of tigers, particularly in 23 tiger reserves in the country.In addition, Project Tiger officials have demanded that the government declare 27 more forest areas as tiger reserves in the Ninth Plan.