The tiger is not merely our national animal; it is a symbol of our country’s forest wealth, biodiversity, and ecological balance. Conserving tigers means safeguarding our forests, water resources, wildlife, and the natural heritage that must be passed on to future generations. Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan highlighted this on the occasion of World Tiger Day.
This day reminds us of the pledge taken by the international community in 2010 to conserve tigers. It also serves as a reminder of how our country has emerged as a global role model in tiger conservation. Thanks to visionary initiatives like “Project Tiger,” nearly 75 percent of the world’s tiger population now resides in our country. He stated that this stands as a testament to the remarkable environmental success India has achieved.
It is a matter of pride for all of us that the Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR)—the largest tiger reserve in the country—is located in Andhra Pradesh. Spanning 5,442.83 square kilometers within the Nallamala forest region, this reserve serves as a safe habitat for tigers, leopards, bears, wild dogs, herbivores, and hundreds of other wildlife species. It is heartening to note that recent estimates have recorded 68 tigers and 11 cubs within the NSTR-Seshachalam region. Pawan Kalyan remarked that this stands as a testament to the conservation measures being implemented by the state government.
Pawan stated that since the alliance government assumed office, numerous scientific initiatives have been implemented for tiger conservation. Measures such as strengthening anti-poaching mechanisms, developing grasslands, and increasing the population of prey animals have been undertaken. Surveillance of forest areas is being managed more effectively through the use of drones, camera traps, and modern monitoring systems. The Minister explained that, alongside conducting training programs to enhance the capabilities of forest department staff, public participation is also being actively encouraged.
The 11 check-posts managed by the NSTR Tiger Conservation Foundation are generating over ₹1 crore in monthly revenue, setting a national example; this initiative fosters both conservation and local development. Pawan Kalyan expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav, for facilitating the approval to bring two tigresses from the Chandrapur forest range in Maharashtra and another two from Madhya Pradesh, a move aimed at enhancing the genetic diversity and population of tigers in the Eastern Ghats region.
This marks a historic milestone in the history of tiger conservation in Andhra Pradesh. The Minister also announced that the number of anti-poaching camps in the Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve is being increased from 89 to 150. This expansion will significantly strengthen security, surveillance, information gathering, and emergency response capabilities. Additionally, he noted that this initiative would provide employment opportunities to approximately 800 tribal youths.
The coalition government is working with unwavering commitment to preserve ecological balance. The Minister highlighted ongoing initiatives such as the reintroduction of Gaur (Indian Bison) in the Nallamala forests, the introduction of female tigers in the Papikonda forest region, and the conservation of wildlife corridors. He called upon everyone to strive towards the goal of ensuring the roar of the tiger is heard permanently in the Nallamala forests.
On the occasion of International Tiger Day, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan once again extended heartfelt greetings to the people of the state, Forest Department officials and staff, wildlife conservationists, scientists, environmental enthusiasts, and the tribal communities who partner in forest conservation. He conveyed special appreciation to every Forest Department official and staff member who works with dedication to protect forests and wildlife, even under challenging circumstances.
