Bhopal, July 29 (IANS) Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve on Wednesday marked International Tiger Day with a series of awareness and conservation programmes, highlighting the role of local communities and students in protecting wildlife.
The reserve, which has around 200 tigers, including nearly 165 adults, organised exhibitions for schoolchildren, awareness sessions with villagers, a forest march and honoured Junior Fire Watchers for their contribution to forest protection.
Speaking to IANS, Bandhavgarh Field Director Anupam Sahay said the reserve has played a key role in establishing Madhya Pradesh as the country’s ‘Tiger State’.
“Bandhavgarh is home to around 200 tigers, including nearly 165 adults. Our efforts are focussed not only on protecting tigers but also on involving local communities and children in conservation activities. Public participation is essential for sustaining wildlife conservation,” Sahay said.
On this occasion, an exhibition was organised to educate students about tiger conservation, biodiversity and the ecological importance of forests. Students interacted with forest officials and learned about the need to protect wildlife habitats.
Villagers from areas around the reserve also took part in awareness programmes, where officials discussed their role in forest conservation and reducing human-wildlife conflict.
A forest march involving forest officials, frontline staff, students and local residents was organised to spread the message of tiger and environmental conservation.
Junior Fire Watchers, who assist the Forest Department in preventing and reporting forest fires, were felicitated for their services. Sahay said Bandhavgarh continues to be one of India’s leading tiger reserves due to its healthy tiger population and rich biodiversity.
He added that the reserve has earned international recognition and remains a major attraction for wildlife enthusiasts from across the world.
Sahay further said the programmes organised on International Tiger Day were aimed at creating greater awareness about wildlife conservation and encouraging people to become active partners in protecting forests and tigers.
–IANS
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