India houses nearly 70% of global tiger population, says PM Modi on Global Tiger Day
On Global Tiger Day, observed on July 29, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted India's role in tiger conservation, stating that the country is home to nearly 70% of the world's tiger population. In a post on social media platform X, he expressed pride in this achievement and reaffirmed the government's dedication to science-based conservation, community participation, and sustainable development.
Global Tiger Day, also known as International Tiger Day, is celebrated annually to raise awareness about tiger conservation and to support efforts to protect these big cats and their habitats. The day was established in 2010 at the Saint Petersburg Tiger Summit, where 13 tiger-range countries committed to doubling the wild tiger population by 2022 (known as the Tx2 goal).
According to the latest available data from the All India Tiger Estimation 2022, India's tiger population is estimated at 3,167, making it the largest in any country. The government has implemented several initiatives, including Project Tiger, which began in 1973, and the establishment of 54 tiger reserves across the country.
Modi's statement also emphasised the cultural roots of conservation: 'India's tiger conservation efforts are inspired by our centuries-old culture of living in harmony with nature and powered by the collective will of our people.' This aligns with the government's narrative of blending traditional values with modern science.
However, conservation experts note that challenges remain, such as habitat fragmentation, human-wildlife conflict, and poaching. The government's National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) continues to monitor and manage tiger populations, but some activists argue that more needs to be done to protect forest corridors and local communities.
The Prime Minister's message comes amid growing global focus on biodiversity preservation. India's success in increasing tiger numbers from a low of 1,411 in 2006 to over 3,000 now is often cited as a model for other countries. Critics, however, caution that population counts may not fully reflect the health of ecosystems or the welfare of tigers in fragmented habitats.
Nevertheless, the occasion serves as a reminder of ongoing conservation efforts and the need for sustained action. As the world marks Global Tiger Day, India's contribution remains significant, but the task of securing a future for tigers in the wild continues.
