NEWS WAVE INDIA: India’s Project Tiger, which recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, has set a goal to maintain a viable tiger population while balancing development and wildlife conservation over the next 50 years. S.P. Yadav, the Additional Director General of Forests and head of Project Tiger, stated that India aims to sustain a scientifically calculated carrying capacity of habitats to promote tiger conservation.

Since its launch on April 1, 1973, Project Tiger has expanded from nine tiger reserves covering 18,278 sq km to 53 tiger reserves spanning over 75,000 sq km, approximately 2.4% of the country’s geographical area. However, despite the expansion of tiger reserves and reduced poaching due to better technology and protection mechanisms, tiger populations still face significant threats from habitat fragmentation and degradation.

To address these challenges, India will need to promote sustainable development practices and reduce human-wildlife conflict while monitoring the carrying capacity of tiger habitats. The long-term commitment to tiger conservation by Project Tiger highlights the importance of finding a balance between economic growth and protecting wildlife in India.