International Tiger Day is being observed today, with various programmes scheduled to be organised at the Ranipur Tiger Reserve in Uttar Pradesh. The state has witnessed a significant increase in its tiger population over the past few years. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Anuradha Vemuri said Uttar Pradesh now has four tiger reserves, reflecting the state’s rich biodiversity and its commitment to wildlife conservation.

 

According to the 2022 tiger census, Uttar Pradesh has a total of 205 tigers. The state’s tiger population has steadily increased from 109 in 2006 to 118 in 2010, 117 in 2014, 173 in 2018 and 205 in 2022. The ‘Bagh Mitra’ initiative is also playing a key role in reducing human-wildlife conflict in the state. The programme was launched in Pilibhit in 2019 and has proved highly effective. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also appreciated the initiative during his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ programme. 

 

In October 2023, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched the ‘Bagh Mitra’ app in Pilibhit. Pilibhit Tiger Reserve Divisional Forest Officer Manish Singh said a WhatsApp group of ‘Bagh Mitras’ has been created in Pilibhit, with 120 local residents from villages surrounding the forest area enrolled in the initiative.

 

Villagers living within five kilometres of the forest are selected as ‘Bagh Mitras’ and provided training by the Forest Department. Whenever a tiger or any other wild animal is spotted outside the forest, the ‘Bagh Mitras’ immediately inform the department. This enables forest officials and staff to respond promptly, remain on alert and dispatch teams to the location.